California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays in the state. The bill, which was passed by the California Assembly, adds the two Islamic holidays to the list of official holidays in the state. This makes California the second state in the US, after Washington, to recognize the holidays as official.
The new law allows public schools and colleges to close on these days, and state employees are eligible to take time off to celebrate. However, it does not require private schools and businesses to close, and courts will remain open. The law is seen as a significant step forward for the Muslim community in California, who have been advocating for recognition of these holidays for several years.
The bill was part of a package of legislation aimed at promoting religious diversity and inclusion in California. Newsom had several other bills on his desk that provide protections and exemptions for other religious holidays, including Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. One of the bills, AB 395, requires state agencies and facilities to make reasonable efforts to avoid scheduling important events on these days.
Another bill, AB 1763, ensures that students in kindergarten through 12th grade are allowed to take time off for religious holidays without penalty. While these bills were presented to Newsom before the Islamic holiday bill, he did not sign them into law until Wednesday, just before the midnight deadline. The governor's office said that the bills were part of a broader effort to promote tolerance and understanding in the state.
The recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays in California is seen as a significant milestone for the Muslim community in the state. The holidays are significant in the Islamic calendar, with Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha commemorating the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. The Muslim community in California has been growing rapidly in recent years, and this recognition is seen as a step towards greater inclusion and acceptance.
The law has been welcomed by Muslim leaders and organizations in California, who have been advocating for recognition of these holidays for several years. They say that it will help to promote greater understanding and respect for Islamic traditions and culture. The recognition of Islamic holidays in California is also seen as a reflection of the state's diverse cultural landscape.
The signing of the bill into law is a significant achievement for the Muslim community in California, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the community. The law will take effect immediately, and it is expected to be implemented in a way that is respectful of all communities in the state.
Key points
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signs bill recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official holidays.
- California becomes second US state to recognize Islamic holidays as official.
- Law allows public schools and colleges to close on Islamic holidays, and state employees to take time off.
