Oath Ceremonies of First Buddhists in Congressional History
The New York Times pointed out with all the focus on Ellison's religious sensibilities, "we’ve neglected the fact that another faith is making its first showing in the Capitol with not one but two freshmen". Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Hank Johnson (D - GA), both elected in 2006, are the first Buddhists in American history to serve in the United States Congress. The Times reported that "A spokesperson said that Mr. Johnson plans to use a Bible, citing tradition", and Hirono "said she probably would not use any book, but that in the past, when she was sworn in as lieutenant governor, she used a friend’s family Bible."
Read more about this topic: Qur'an Oath Controversy Of The 110th United States Congress
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