Calif.: Assembly bill recognizing 2 Islamic holidays awaits state Senate’s approval

Muslims participate in the Eid al-Fitr prayer on September 10, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles.

California could soon officially recognize two major Islamic holidays under an Assembly bill now waiting for Senate approval.

Assembly Bill 2017 was introduced by San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-Calif.) 

 

in February and would allow public schools and community colleges to close for the holidays, while enabling state workers to take time off using existing paid leave.

In May, the state Assembly passed the measure overwhelmingly in a 64–1 vote, with the bill now awaiting action in the Senate. If approved by the state Senate, the bill would then head to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s (D-Calif.) desk for a signature.

 

“California is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the country, and their traditions deserve recognition and respect,” Haney said in March. “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,” he added.

California lawmakers are pushing to make two major Islamic holidays officially recognized under state law.

 

The measure recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha passed the Assembly in a sweeping 64-1 vote and now heads to the state Senate. The bill could eventually reach Gov.… pic.twitter.com/heUZCv7FJ2

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The two major holidays include Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, which marks the completion of Hajj—the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Both holidays occur once every year, according to the Islamic calendar.

 

While backing voluntary time-off provisions for students observing religious holidays, the conservative Christian group California Family Council (CFC) has expressed opposition to the schoolwide measures in the bill.

The group pointed out in a May statement that no California statute allows public schools to hold events celebrating Christmas, Easter or Good Friday, arguing that Christian and Jewish holidays are not treated equally.

“The asymmetry is written into the law,” CFC remarked.