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March 11, 2019

Fox Host Under Fire for Saying Rep. Omar's Hijab Unconstitutional
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Following the House's overwhelming passage of a resolution Thursday
condemning anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, white supremacy and other forms
of hate, Fox News host Jeanine Pirro attacked Congressmember Ilhan
Omar-one of two Muslim women now serving in Congress-for wearing a
hijab.

Jeanine Pirro: "Omar wears a hijab, which, according to the Qur'an,
33-colon-59 tells women to cover so they won't get molested. Is her
adherence to this Islamic doctrine indicative of her adherence to Sharia
law, which in itself is antithetical to the United States Constitution?"

Critics blasted Judge Pirro's remarks, pointing to the First Amendment
of the Constitution, which protects freedom of religion. As outrage
mounted, Fox News condemned her comments late Sunday, saying in a
statement, "We strongly condemn Jeanine Pirro's comments about Rep.
Ilhan Omar. They do not reflect those of the network and we have
addressed the matter with her directly."

After her historic election victory last November, Congressmember Omar
spearheaded the overturning of a long-standing ban on headscarves and
other religious headwear, becoming the first lawmaker to wear a hijab on
the House floor.


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