First Muslim Grabs Miss USA Crown

Miss Michigan Rima Fakih has become the first Arab-American and Muslim to be crowned Miss USA. Fakih, 24, is of Lebanese descent. She won the swimsuit, evening gown and interview competitions. Fakih said during her interview that she believes birth control should be paid for by a national health insurance program, perhaps indicating a marked political difference from Miss USA runner up Carrie Prejean, who ignited controversy last year when she spoke out against gay marriage during her question-and-answer session.

“This is historic,” said Imad Hamad of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. “This shows the greatness of America, how everyone can have a chance to make it," he told the Detroit Free Press. Of course, another year, another scandal? Click here to read about a more scantily-clad contest Fakih won in 2007.
(More Miss USA stories.)