Pa. Democrats, Muslim Lawmaker Decry Opening Prayer As Divisive
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- The first female Muslim member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives says she was offended by a colleague's decision to open session with a prayer that "at the name of Jesus every knee will bow."
Democratic Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell of Philadelphia said Tuesday she felt the remarks by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz shortly before Johnson-Harrell took the oath of office used her religion against her.
Borowicz is a Republican and associate pastor's wife. She also thanked President Donald Trump during the Monday invocation for standing behind Israel. She later defended her remarks, saying, "I pray every day. I prayed."
Democratic leaders called the remarks divisive.
Johnson-Harrell won a special election this month. Her swearing-in drew 55 guests, a majority of them Muslim.
On Tuesday, a Muslim lawmaker opened the session by reading from the Quran.
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