Ruth Bader Ginsburg will become the first woman in history to lie in state in the US Capitol

On Friday, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who had served on the United States Supreme Court since 1993, passed away after a battle with pancreas cancer.

Ginsburg had a massive impact on the rights of women and minorities, leaving many mourning her passing. And this week, Ginsburg will make history yet again by becoming the first woman in history to lie in state in the US Capitol.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Ginsburg's body will lie in repose at the Supreme Court. Members of the public will be able to pay their respects over the two day period. On Friday, Ginsburg will be moved to the National Statuary Hall.

Lying in state is usually reserved for distinguished government officials and military officers. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the historic event on Monday.

In a statement, Pelosi's office wrote: "Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will lie in state in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol on Friday, September 25, 2020."

"Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was nominated for the United States Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton on June 14, 1993 and took her seat on August 10, 1993.  Ginsburg first drew national attention for her work successfully litigating sex discrimination cases in the 1970s.  As an Associate Justice for more than 27 years, Ginsburg was a leading voice for equality on the Court and across the country."

"As Speaker Pelosi said after her passing, 'Justice Ginsburg embodied justice, brilliance and goodness, and her passing is an incalculable loss for our democracy and for all who sacrifice and strive to build a better future for our children.  Every family in America benefited from her brilliant legacy and courage.  Her opinions have unequivocally cemented the precedent that all men and women are created equal.'

Due to the pandemic, the ceremony will be open to invited guests only.