Keith Ellison is the first muslim to be elected to the House of Representatives. He wants to take his oath on the Quran. Should he be allowed to, or should he take his oath on the bible?
2006-12-21 05:01:23 · 11 answers · asked by Kasm 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
This is a red herring. The new members of Congress are sworn in together, en masse, in the chamber. They don't "hold" anything. They stand, raise their right hands and recite the oath.
The other "swearing in" is a photo op. It's doesn't count and doesn't matter.
2006-12-21 05:03:54 · answer #1 · answered by Sir J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, NO WHERE in the Constitution does it say he can't. Many people have taken their oath on "pictures on loved ones, favorite mementos, and even family bibles." There is NO RULE that states it has to be a bible. Its only at the "PUBLIC" one that MOST choose a bible. You don't have too; and many haven't. So, yes, if it makes him comfortable, he should do as he pleases.
Its much like taking an oath in court. Even atheists are able to "swear and affirm" that they will tell the truth without doing so on a Bible or God.
2006-12-21 05:08:10 · answer #2 · answered by AdamKadmon 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh, you're definitely no longer on my own on thinking it particularly is ridiculous. the only reason I see for the condescending view of his swearing on that's that a lot of human beings assume following Islam is undesirable, which brings us right into a very diverse project of discrimination. it particularly is supposedly against American perspectives, as pronounced through the invoice of Rights which provides us Freedom of religion, yet particularly, this custom is extra common than the government wish us to appreciate. it particularly is incorrect, regardless of the indisputable fact that. Making him swear on the Bible would be pointless, and would do no stable. So sure, you're precise, this complete element is ridiculous. The adverse guy would desire to have in no way been thrown into the spotlight in this merciless way.
2016-12-15 05:38:42 · answer #3 · answered by lacross 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should be allowed to take his oath on the holy book he believes in. His swearing on the Bible would be as meaningful as simply affirming without the book but would raise a serious question of religious discrimination.
2006-12-21 05:12:26 · answer #4 · answered by jayelthefirst 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Congressmen do not have to take their oath on any document, bible, Koran, or whatever. Since this is not a Christian country (see the Treaty of Tripoli) it doesn't matter what book he uses to be sworn in. Neo-cons just love to stir up trouble when none is needed.
2006-12-21 05:07:04 · answer #5 · answered by diogenese_97 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately he should be allowed to take the oath on the Qur'an. people voted for him knowing that he was a Muslim and that he would vote for the Muslim agenda.
2006-12-21 05:10:46 · answer #6 · answered by » mickdotcom « 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There are arguments for and against, in that the US was founded upon the ideal of religious freedom, yet it was also founded on predominantly Christian ethics & morals.Personally I think it irrelevant, as politicians will still be politicians, and are not to be trusted regardless of their practiced religion! :P
2006-12-21 05:07:39 · answer #7 · answered by Akayus 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He can be sworn in on a stack of Mad magazines as far as i care. This whole government has turned into a big stupid joke anyways so it would be fitting for all of them.
2006-12-21 11:44:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If a christian can use a bible a muslim should use a Qu'ran
2006-12-24 22:05:29 · answer #9 · answered by Darkness 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What idiotic state elected a Muslim? It had to be somewhere whacky, like Massachussetts or Minnesota. As far as the Quran, how would they possibly work that? Aren't "infidels" not allowed to touch the holy Koran, Quran? Who is going to do the swearing in? Is he muslim?
Personally, I don't care. He can be sworn into office using a volvo service manual for all I care.
2006-12-21 05:06:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋