Penn. Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R) #fundie wonkette.com

Have you seen the OMG LOL WTF opening prayer at the Pennsylvania state House that's got everybody talking about what a crazy ass GOP state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz is? The one what happened the same day the legislative body swore in its first Muslim rep, Democrat Movita Johnson-Harrell, who had brought all her friends and family to celebrate the occasion with her, many of whom were also Muslims?

It was OH MY DEAR SWEET JESUS, but we don't mean that in a religious way, or in a nice way.

https://youtu.be/RLVrgWygwQo

First off, we must note that these sorts of opening prayers are fucked up and weird and seem to fly in the face of that whole "separation of church and state" thing. (There's been a bit of controversy about this in Pennsylvania!)

We also must note that Rep. Borowicz herself responded to the controversy by saying, "That's how I pray every day," she is not sorry, and we believe her when she says all her prayers are that batshit.

And oh boy, do we mean batshit! Far be it from Wonkette to make fun of a person's personal praying style, haha just kidding, LET'S DO IT.

Borowicz started out with that whole "HEY LORD" casual Southern Baptist crap, like you are just asking God how it's hangin', but then she quit fucking around and got serious. She told Jesus some things about himself and reminded Him of all His greatest hits, kind of like when Trump's Cabinet praises him before a meeting. She shouted "JESUS" no fewer than one million and eight times, we guess because you have to say "JESUS" a lot to make sure you have His holy attention, as JESUS is reportedly bad about playing with His iPhone these days while people are praying.

It's around the 1:22 mark when House Speaker Mike Turzai, who is also a Republican, kind of casually looks over at Borowicz like "the fuck is happening right now?" Around then, Borowicz begins explaining Jesus some evangelical GOP talking points about Donald Trump protecting Israel. (Is that a tell that really she meant this prayer as a dogwhistle, because OMG MUSLIMS EVERYWHERE, or is it just because Michele Bachmann types can't fucking shut up about their extremely two-faced support for Israel, which is in and of itself pretty anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim, considering why they support Israel? Only God knows her heart.)

It's at the 1:46 mark, when Borowicz is wrapping up her long-winded Amen, when Turzai literally nudges her like "in the name of Jesus CUT IT THE FUCK OUT."

We thought she might break out in tongue-speaking, but maybe Turzai's nudge interrupted the Holy Spirit's flow. Shit happens.

Are people offended? Oh yes, they are! Because even if Borowicz didn't literally mean her prayer like WINK WINK NUDGE NUDGE, MUSLIMS, it sure came across that way to a lot of people, on such a historic day in the Pennsylvania state House.

As the prayer reached a crescendo, at least one member shouted objections. Turzai, standing behind her, looked up again and nudged her elbow, prompting her to quickly conclude the address. Afterward, the protests only grew louder.

"It blatantly represented the Islamophobia that exists among some leaders — leaders that are supposed to represent the people," Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell, the newly sworn-in Democrat who is Muslim, told the Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Monday. "I came to the Capitol to help build bipartisanship and collaborations regardless of race or religion to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the Commonwealth."

Johnson-Harrell has also said she would like Borowicz to be censured. The governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, was reportedly "horrified."

The top Democrat in the state House had thoughts:

"Never have we started out with a prayer that divides us," House Minority Leader Frank Dermody said to applause from Democratic members. "Prayer should never divide us. It should bring us together."

And this guy walked out:

I walked off the House floor in protest during today’s prayer led by a GOP member. This fire and brimstone Evangelical prayer was before the swearing in of the PA House’s first ever Muslim woman. It epitomizes religious intolerance.
— Rep. Kevin J. Boyle

And this Democratic rep, a Christian man, also had thoughts:

Prayer should never be weaponized, especially on a celebratory day for @RepMovita as she’s sworn in as the 1st Muslim woman to serve in the #PAHouse. This prayer was deeply disrespectful and meant to intimidate Movita & her family. We won’t stay silent on what matters! #LoveWins
- Rep. Jordan A. Harris

As for Borowicz, as we noted, she is not sorry, because it ain't your business what she says to the Lord, whose name is JESUS, did you hear His name is JESUS, all you Muslim people in the chamber? Oh, you knew that, because of how Jesus is a beloved prophet in your religion? OK well anyway, JESUS!

On Monday, Turzai, the GOP House speaker, reminded everyone to at least try not being total dicks while they're praying:

"As you are preparing your thoughts, we'd ask that you craft a prayer that is respectful of all religious belief," Turzai said.

At press time, Vice President Mike Pence was thinking about calling Borowicz and appointing her to be the new Space Force Secretary Of Going To The Moon And Stickin' A Cross In It For Jesus, just kidding, he's not allowed to talk to women unsupervised because Mother is worried he'll accidentally fuck them.

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