California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new state law recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official state holidays. The law, which was signed on September 27, adds the two Islamic celebrations to the state's holiday list and allows schools, community colleges, and employees to observe them. This move is expected to provide greater flexibility for Muslim communities in California to observe these important holidays.
The legislation, known as Assembly Bill 2017, was authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney and co-sponsored by several organizations, including the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA). The law establishes provisions allowing state employees to use existing personal holiday credits or leave to observe Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, subject to applicable workplace rules and collective bargaining agreements.
Under the new law, public schools and community colleges in California are allowed to close for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha through locally negotiated agreements. However, the legislation does not require every school or educational institution in California to close on these holidays. This flexibility will enable schools and community colleges to make their own decisions about observing these holidays.
The recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays in California is seen as a significant step towards inclusivity and accommodation for Muslim residents in the state. According to CAIR-CA, California has more than one million Muslim residents, and this legislation will help reduce barriers to observing these important holidays. The organization welcomed Newsom's signing of the legislation, saying it would address challenges faced by Muslim students and employees.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha falls during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and coincides with the annual Hajj season. The law places the two Islamic holidays on California's general list of state holidays but excludes them from the state's judicial holidays. This means that courts are not required to close on these holidays.
California is not the first state to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays. Washington state recognized these holidays in 2025. The recognition of these holidays in California and other states reflects a growing trend towards greater inclusivity and accommodation for diverse communities.
The new law is expected to have a positive impact on Muslim students and employees in California, who will no longer have to make difficult choices between observing these important holidays and meeting their academic or professional obligations. CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said the legislation would help address the challenges faced by Muslim students and employees who observe these holidays.
Key points
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signs bill recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays
- The law allows schools, community colleges, and employees to observe the holidays
- California joins Washington state in recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays
