Should an elected congressman from Minnesota be allowed to swear his oath of office on a Koran?

Question

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061225/world.htm#1

My personal position on this matter is not part of the question, but since it came up, I'm outraged at the senator from Virginia, and proud of the senator from Minnesota for challenging xenophobia.

I am NOT bothered that this Muslim man wants to swear on a Koran, though many seem to think that asking the question makes me some kind of intolerant bigot. Good going, guys.

Answer 1

When a Congressman is making an oath, the value is in the sanctity of that promise to uphold the state and Federal Constitutions and represent the People. So if a person is Muslim, he should be able to sanctify his oath on a document that has great value to him, such as the Koran. Our Constitution promulgates a sense of tolerance. Hence, government officials should be permitted to take oaths on whatever symbolic document befits their particular deeply held belief system, whether religious or not.

Answer 2

The Constitution of the United States prohibits any religious test for public office. Also, the tradition of swearing an oath on a Bible is an unofficial ceremony, not anything mandated by law. What is important is that a public official swear to defend and uphold the Constitution, not which particular book they hold.

Answer 3

I guess the question is.. "why not?"

it's not like swearing on the Bible is going to make him a "super honest politician" while swearing on the Koran is going to make him "evil beyond all hope"...

he's pretty much going to be the same person no matter what he swears on... he's already elected, so there's not much you can do about it

but, I do think if it would mean more to him to swear on the Koran, then it would seem the benefits would out weigh any "fears"...

Answer 4

I'm an atheist. If I was elected to Congress, I would put my hand on the Constitution, like John Quincy Adams did.

I don't think any politician should be putting his hand on a "holy book". However if Christian politicians are going to be swearing on a Bible, I have no problem with a Muslim using the Koran.

Answer 5

Absolutely yes.
Bible is not a Federal Government issued book. The church is separated from the government.
It should be his choice if he wants a Koran, Bible or an UFO found object.
You would not raise the question if that was a Torah.

Answer 6

I'm also proud of my senator! I really can't believe someone in that position would say such a stupid thing! I thought he was suppose to be a voice for the people of America. Well I'm America and I totally disagree with what he said.

Answer 7

I agree with you about everything -- except for the fact that you keep using the word "Senator" when Goode is not a Senator, he's a Representative and Ellison is not going to be a Senator, he's going to be a Representative.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aj4hnM9pq_qmIBV6GRQ.DAbsy6IX?qid=20061130142446AAvM5t2&show=7#profile-info-fe0291e68c0f84c9668741f94de802f3aa
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Answer 8

It doesn't make a bit of difference one way or the other what he uses. He can use "Green Eggs and Ham" or "Hop On Pop" (George Bush's favorite book) if he wants to. This is much ado about nothing. If he was a Republican, no one would be saying anything.

Answer 9

Your question is flawed. He hopes to have a private non official swearing in after the fact. In a country that touts freedom of religon and expression, I see nothing wrong with it.

Answer 10

Why the hell not? Are you trying to perpetrate a holy war or something? He should be able to swear on any religious object he wants including the Koran..........