Legislation aimed at recognizing two Muslim holidays as official state holidays in California is approaching the final stages of approval before being presented for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature.
Assembly Bill 2017 proposes to designate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays, allowing state employees to utilize holiday credits to take time off on these occasions.
“California boasts one of the largest and most dynamic Muslim communities in the nation,” stated bill author Assemblymember Matt Haney (D).
“AB 2017 aims to ensure that Muslim Californians are acknowledged, respected, and treated with the same dignity as any other community within our state.”
The bill also permits community colleges and public schools to recognize these holidays and include teachings about them.
The legislation has already been approved by the state Assembly with a vote of 64-1 in late May and is currently awaiting a full vote in the state Senate.
It has until the end of the legislative session, expected to be this coming Monday, to reach the governor’s desk.
Eid al-Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” signifies the end of Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Eid al-Adha, referred to as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
Both holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, causing them to occur on different dates each year.
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If the bill is passed, these two holy days will join a growing list of community-specific holidays recognized by the state, which includes Diwali and Lunar New Year.
Muslim organizations in California have advocated for the passage of this legislation, emphasizing that the state is home to over a million Muslim residents.
“Muslim students often find themselves in a challenging position: attend school and miss communal prayers and religious observances, or show their faith and risk academic setbacks,” stated the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California.
“Even with excused absences, students may miss vital instruction and feel isolated from their peers.”
Despite overwhelming bipartisan support for the holiday initiative, the California Family Council has voiced concerns, labeling the bill as a means of “celebrating Islamic theology in schools.”
The council clarified that it is not against the days being observed but is opposed to the educational aspect regarding them.
“No California law permits public schools to hold events celebrating the significance of Christmas, Easter, or Good Friday,” the council pointed out. “This disparity is embedded in the law.”
