A newly-elected Muslim congresswoman is part of a Democrat push to change a longstanding rule banning head coverings in the US House of Representatives.
Somali refugee Ilhan Omar was one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress in the midterm elections earlier this month.
She has joined Democratic leaders in drafting an update to a 181-year-old rule to allow for religious exemptions for headwear like the Muslim hijab, Jewish yarmulkes, or Sikh turban.
Veteran Democrat Nancy Pelosi proposed the law change, along with Ms Omar and Jim McGovern, which would "ensure religious expression" by "clarifying in the rules that religious headwear is permitted to be worn in the House chamber".
If approved, the new proposal will take effect in January when the Democrats take control of the House.
It comes after a record number of women, and scores of minorities including Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans and members of the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities, were elected to Congress.
Mr McGovern, who is expected to chair the House Rules Committee, said the update to the law reflects the broader diversity in Congress.
"This change will finally codify that no restriction may be placed on a member's ability to do the job they were elected to do simply because of their faith," he said.
The head-covering rule has vexed some politicians, notably Congresswoman Frederica Wilson who is known for her colorful hats and has pushed to get the ban lifted.
Under the proposed changes, Ms Wilson would still be barred from wearing hats on the House floor.
Share
