A bill barring abortion on the basis of a Down syndrome diagnosis cleared the House Tuesday, prompting cheers from abortion opponents. 15 Democrats joined an overwhelming majority of their Republican colleagues in supporting the controversial proposal.

But a first glance at the roll call vote on HB 321, authored by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York), belies its significance relative to the changing profile of the Democratic Caucus in the House. 

Controversy has erupted over a prayer that opened today’s House session which some lawmakers believe was offensive in light of the swearing-in of Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell (D-Philadelphia), the first Muslim woman elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.  

The prayer was given by Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton), who drew the ire come of her colleagues after she described Jesus as the “only hope” in the prayer and thanked President Donald Trump for standing beside Israel. 

Monday marked a historic day for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, as the House of Representatives swore in Movita Johnson-Harrell (D-Philadelphia) as the newest member of the chamber — and also the first Muslim woman in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 
 
Johnson-Harrell now represents the 190th legislative district, which covers a portion of Philadelphia. 

A banner year for women in government moved Pennsylvania up five places for female representation in state legislative bodies.

The increase was among the biggest in all 50 states. Only four states saw a bigger percent increase in their women’s caucus, while only two, including New Hampshire and its 400-plus member legislative body, elected more new women.

Altogether, the House and Senate added 14 new women, per numbers from Rutgers University’s Center for American Women and Politics.

State female politicos greeted the news with a mix of excitement for the gains and resolve, for Pennsylvania still sat in the bottom half for female representation, moving from 39th to 34th highest.

It was a rare New Year’s Day swearing-in ceremony to start the 203rd session of the Pennsylvania legislature. From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Delaware River, representatives and senators joined in Harrisburg and vowed to uphold the laws and serve their constituents.

For some, it was the first day of a new job. Others returned for another term of elected service. Many shared the afternoon’s proceedings on Twitter.