RBG becomes first woman to lie in state in U.S. capitol

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made history again on Friday, becoming the first woman and first Jewish person to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi were among those who paid their respects.

"it is with profound sorrow and deep sympathy to the Ginsburg family that I have the high honor to welcome Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to lie in state at the capitol of the United States."

Ginsburg was a champion of gender equality, and icon to millions of people for her long legal career, built on fighting for women's rights - she served as a loyal liberal on the high court from 1993.

Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt reflected on her groundbreaking life: “All the days of her life she fought for justice, even when she was sick ….”

Ginsburg passed away last Friday at the age of 87, from complications of cancer.

Crowds of mourners have flocked to the U.S. Supreme Court, across the street from the Capitol, since her death.

To her fans she was known simply as RBG. Biden has called for Republicans to honor Ginsburg’s last wishes and not consider a nominee for the Supreme Court until after the November 3 presidential election.

But President Donald Trump and Senate-controlling Republicans have vowed to replace Ginsburg within the next few weeks.

For now, her casket remains in the National Statuary Hall surrounded by the statues of prominent Americans – including civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks.

RBG is due to be buried next week at the Arlington National Cemetery.