Swearing by the Koran?
December 1, 2006
I think the following story is very interesting and I’m shocked that it hasn’t received more play nationally. Let me start the dialogue here in this space. In January, Keith Ellison will be sworn in as the first Muslim member of Congress. When he takes the oath of office, he says he will not put his hand on the Bible. Instead, he’ll put it on the Koran. According to Article 6 of the Constitution, there is no requirement that he put his hand on the Bible. Here’s what it says:
"The senators and representatives before-mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."
Here’s what Ellison and others are required to recite come the first day of Congress, January 4th:
"I, AB, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
Where do I begin? Well, let’s start with a little fact check. I called the House Administration committee on the Hill. Here’s what they tell me. First of all, when all incoming freshman come in, they, as a group, are sworn in on the House floor by the Speaker of the House. All they do is raise their right hand. No Bible. That’s it. Then, afterwards, there are private ceremonies between each new member and the Speaker. This is done in private between the Speaker, the new member and his or her family. (There’s a House photographer present) At that point, the oath is taken again and this time, a member can place his hand on the Bible. I asked the Press Secretary with the House Administration Committee if Keith Ellison would be allowed to place his hand on the Koran and she said yes, there’s nothing stopping him from doing that. Technically, she says, that’s between the new member and the Speaker’s office. They have to "work that out". My sense here is that it sounds like the Speaker’s office would have to sign off on something like this but there’s nothing stopping Congressman Ellison from doing it. We are trying to get in touch with Keith Ellison’s office right now. Hang on for an update….
What do you think?
THE BRODY FILE Main Page >>
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
