Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is expected to sign legislation that would recognize two major Muslim holy days as state holidays. The bill,
Assembly Bill 2017, is nearing a state Senate vote after passing the California Assembly in a 64-1 vote.
“California is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the country, and their traditions deserve recognition and respect,” Assemblymember Matt Haney, the lawmaker behind the bill, said upon introducing the legislation. “No student should have to choose between celebrating one of the holiest days of their faith and showing up to school, and no worker should feel they have to sacrifice their religious observance. AB 2017 is about making sure Muslim Californians are seen, valued, and treated with the same dignity as every other community in our state.”
The bill specifically lists Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as possible state holidays. Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” serves as the end of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” occurs two months later and coincides with the end of the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca called Hajj. According to the legislation, the bill “would authorize community colleges and public schools to close on ‘Eid al-Fitr’ and ‘Eid al-Adha,’ as specified.” It adds that an academic absence may be had for the days’ observances.
“This bill would, similarly, authorize state employees to elect to use 8 hours of vacation, annual leave, compensating time off, or personal holiday credit corresponding with ‘Eid al-Fitr’ or ‘Eid al-Adha,’ as specified,” the bill notes.
