Yahoo News Mike Pence swears in the first openly bisexual senator, Kyrsten Sinema, and Twitter loves it
During a historic day on the U.S. Senate floor when the 116th Congress was sworn in, Kyrsten Sinema became the first female senator from Arizona (alongside Martha McSally) and the first openly bisexual member of the Senate.
Sinema has stated in the past that she is “religiously unaffiliated,” so when she took the oath of office on Thursday, she used a law book containing both the U.S. and Arizona constitutions, instead of placing her hand on a Bible.
When she was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence, a Republican with a history of opposing LGBTQ rights, Sinema kept things light. When the Democratic senator, who is divorced, noticed a mark on the floor for spouses to stand on, she pointed it out and asked, “Could we get a spouse? Just kidding.” She also joked with Pence when he gave her “tips” on how to position herself for the cameras.
While Sinema was positive and lighthearted, some on Twitter thought Pence showed discomfort, calling it an awkward moment.
.@kyrstensinema, the first openly bisexual Senator in U.S. history, has been sworn into office. Looking like a BOSS. pic.twitter.com/Jc4cRX42wM
— Logo (@LogoTV) January 3, 2019
She swore to uphold THE CONSTITUTION, not any holy book. I love Kyrsten Sinema. Way to make Mike Pence feel #awkward. https://t.co/UW0en6JyGC
— Matt Corrales (@MattCorrales) January 3, 2019
So … Mike Pence had to swear in the first openly bi-sexual senator Kyrsten Sinema today.
I am lovin it.
— Poltically Incorrect (@pol1tically) January 4, 2019
Others saw the occasion as a victory for the LGBTQ community.
Ha! I laugh at the discomfort of Mike Pence. I also smile at the victory of Kyrsten Sinema, bisexual people, and the LGBTQ+ community in general. https://t.co/gduwDRJ8lX
— Tyler Reznik (@Tyler_Reznik) January 4, 2019
Kyrsten Sinema, the first openly bisexual U.S. Senator is being sworn in by Mike Pence.
Sorry Mike, we no longer tolerate your way of thinking. Say hello to a new era. pic.twitter.com/HfwlkcupTZ
— Maria Alanis (@ThuMuhreeah) January 4, 2019
Some thought Pence did just fine swearing in all new senators.
I think that VP Mike Pence did a perfectly fine job swearing in Senator Kyrsten Sinema. That woman could be straight, bisexual, or homosexual and the only thing that matters is whether or not she’s a good senator. Good for both of them. https://t.co/u1XfWTzvO4
— Tyler Groves (@HangTYme_24) January 4, 2019
Mike Pence was simply showing class and respect while Kyrsten Sinema was more worried about the media, and how uncomfortable she could make him feel rather than the government position she was swearing into. That’s the point that should be taken from this. https://t.co/4LQrF7SUCH
— Caleb Hearn (@CalebHearn4) January 4, 2019
Watch Fox News host Tucker Carlson discuss the damage he thinks gender equality is having on men:
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