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Women have been banned from showing their arms in Congress

Women in the House of Representatives are not allowed to show their arms – even in summer [Photo: Getty]
Women in the House of Representatives are not allowed to show their arms – even in summer [Photo: Getty]

Parliament may have relaxed its dress code, allowing men to leave their ties at home, but the US equivalent – Congress – isn’t about to do the same.

The House of Representatives, which makes up half of Congress, has clamped down on what female journalists wear.

According to CBS News, one female reporter was recently barred from entering the House after turning up in a sleeveless dress. She attempted to create sleeves out of pages from her notebook but was still denied access.

The House rule states that women are not allowed to wear sleeveless tops or dresses, trainers, or open-toed shoes, calling each of these garments “inappropriate”.

Strangely, the Senate – which makes up the other half of Congress – doesn’t have the same strict rules.

Ivanka Trump and Michelle Obama have both defied the rules [Photo: Getty]
Ivanka Trump and Michelle Obama have both defied the rules [Photo: Getty]

Despite the summer heat, women must keep their arms covered with men expected to wear a suit jacket and tie at all times.

However, there have been several high-profile exceptions to the rule which extends to anyone appearing in the House – not just reporters.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama wore sleeveless dresses to several addresses inside the chamber with current First Daughter Ivanka Trump wearing an off-the-shoulder style back in February.

One reporter spoke of the day she was barred from the House for her outfit: “When I was kicked out that day, I was just trying to pass through the area to reach another hallway, but I was told I was violating the rules. They offered to find a sweater for me to put on, so it wasn’t some tyrannical end of free press, but I opted to just go around instead.”

“But recently they’ve been cracking down on the code, like with open-toed shoes,” she continued. “I suspect the rules are being emphasised now that it’s summertime and excruciatingly hot outside and everyone is dressing for the weather.”

Speaker Paul Ryan recently reiterated the dress code in a no-nonsense speech, saying: “Members should wear appropriate business attire during all sittings of the House however brief their appearance on the floor may be.”

Looks like women in politics will be suffering in the heat for a little while longer.

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