California moves to recognise Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha as official state holidays By Lanre Gidado
California moves to recognise Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha as official state holidays
By Lanre Gidado
Lawmakers in the United States state of California have introduced a bill seeking to officially recognise the Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays.
The legislation, Assembly Bill 2017 (AB 2017), was introduced during the holy month of Ramadan by Matt Haney, alongside community leaders, advocates and other elected officials.
Haney said the bill seeks to formally recognise the two most significant holidays observed by Muslims and ensure that Muslim residents of the state can celebrate them without facing academic or workplace penalties.
“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.
“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.”
According to him, the proposed law would guarantee excused absences for students observing the holidays and allow workers to use existing paid leave to mark the celebrations.
California has more than 500,000 Muslim residents, including students, educators, healthcare workers, engineers, small business owners and public employees.
However, when Eid arrives each year, many Muslim students and workers are compelled to make special arrangements to observe the day.
Students often miss classes, examinations or school activities, while workers may have to use vacation days or seek special permission from employers to celebrate with their families.
Under the proposed legislation, both Eid festivals would be formally recognised in state law, enabling Muslim Californians to observe them without disadvantage.
Founder of the Muslim Impact Council, Hala Hijazi, described the bill as a historic step toward strengthening inclusion.
She said the legislation would affirm equity, dignity and belonging for Muslim residents while positioning California as a leader in religious inclusion.
Similarly, Commissioner of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, Tahra Goraya, said recognising Eid would reflect the diversity of the state and honour the traditions of Muslim communities.
“Eid is a holiday that brings families and communities together in celebration, reflection and generosity.
This bill is a meaningful step toward ensuring Muslim Californians see their traditions reflected in the story of our state,” she said.
Also commenting, Legislative and Government Affairs Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations California, Oussama Mokeddem, said the proposal comes at a time when Muslim communities in the country continue to face discrimination and rising Islamophobia.
He noted that publicly recognising Eid would demonstrate that the state values the traditions and contributions of Muslim residents.
The bill is sponsored by the Muslim Impact Council, the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs and the Council on American-Islamic Relations California.
The proposed legislation is expected to be considered in the coming weeks by the Assembly Governmental Organisation Committee and the Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement.
