(CNN) – In an election that broke boundaries, Hawaii elected the nation's first practicing Hindu to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Congresswoman-elect Tulsi Gabbard, who will represent the state's second district, told CNN Monday that her election "shows the respect, diversity and love and aloha that people have in Hawaii that would allow for something like this to happen."
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The 31-year-old Democrat said she will take her oath of office on the Hindu religious text Bhagavad Gita in January.
"I think it's a perfect time and a great time for Congress to start moving toward this representation on diversity and really this common ideal that regardless of what our differences might be, we all need to come together now to do what's best for the people," Gabbard said.
At 21, Gabbard was elected to the state legislature, making her Hawaii's youngest lawmaker. She will become one of the first female combat veterans in Congress, having served in Iraq for Hawaii's National Guard.
The congresswoman-elect, who easily won her race with over 80% of the vote, said the practice of yoga has acted as a "guiding light" and motivation throughout her life.
Gabbard joins fellow Hawaiian Mazie Hirono, the first Buddhist to be elected to the U.S. Senate. Twenty women will be in the U.S. Senate in January, including Wisconsin Democratic Representative Tammy Baldwin, the first openly-gay senator.
From CNN Politics
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Did you hear that, righties? The sky is falling even more. First blacks and jews get elected, then Asians, then Muslims, now a Hindu and a Buddhist. I'm just waiting for them to start screaming about Christian culture disappearing, instead of celebrating the fact that we are fulfilling the promise and potential of our great nation. This is a wonderful thing.
This goes to show that this country is becoming more diverse. Republicans better wake up and hop on the diversity train.
best of luck!
Landmark events such as this just simply do not fit within the confabulated framework that the far right has constructed around the Republican party. I wish the Representative-Elect all the best, and hope everyone else does the same.
In diversity their is UNITY
Congratulation to Congresswoman!!! She is a role model to millions of Hindus in US.
Congrads, good to see America showing off the many diverse people that make up this country.
Fabulous news!
Bet we still get gop fans slamming Obama for saying the US isnt just a christian nation.
Way to go USA!
As an American and Hindu , I am proud of her as I am proud of this great nation .
God bless this veteran and all veterans .
God bless the USA .
It is nice to have more diversity in the Congress to reflect the country. I hope that she represents her district well.
Congratulations to the congresswoman.
While I'm honestly very happy for all the diversity of our nation, I must ask CNN about the designation "Hindu-American." Hinduism is a religion not an ethnic group. Would you say Catholic-American or Presbyterian-American? Most religious traditions are trans-national.
We all as americans nomatter the political party should take pride in this.
Congratulations to American democracy! This is what makes America a great country– despite the many religious and
ideological biases and prejudices in the diverse population.
Congratulations, well done!!
Helen:
I found that nomenclature odd as well. Hindu-American.
Either way congratulations to the congresswoman, and thank you for your service both on the battlefields and in the halls of congress.
In SC Nikki Haley won a local house seat when she was a Sikh. When she ran for govenor the right wing conservatives/Tea Party said she had to change to the Chrisitan religion. She did. And won. When she leaves office she will go back to being a Sikh. Then their will be peace in her family.
Maybe in time she can become the first female President. I
Totally stoked for her, but really – It's sad that this is "news". This is basically how things should just "be".
Uh oh, all this diversity will make the GOPers heads explode. I'm extremely proud that this country is finally showing signs of true growth. Those who fought and still continue to fight for the rights of ALL people should be proud as well.
Congrats!