California moves to make Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha official state holidays

Assemblymember Matt Haney introduced AB 2017 to designate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as California state holidays, granting state workers the ability to take the days off using accrued holiday credits. The bill passed the Assembly overwhelmingly, 64-1, in late May and is pending a vote in the full Senate before the legislative session concludes on Monday. Approval would also let community colleges and public schools choose to recognize the holidays and incorporate teaching about them.

Muslim advocacy groups have praised the effort, noting the state’s Muslim population exceeds one million, while the California Family Council voiced concern that school instruction could amount to celebrating Islamic theology, a practice it says is not permitted for Christian holidays. Governor Gavin Newsom would sign the legislation if it clears the Senate, joining Diwali and Lunar New Year among California’s recognized cultural holidays.