California Recognizes Muslim Holidays as State Observances

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that formally recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays, making California the second state to do so. Assembly Bill 2017 officially adds the two Muslim holidays to the list of state holidays, which could allow public schools and colleges to close and make state employees eligible to observe the days. However, the law does not mandate closures for schools or businesses, and state courts are required to remain open.

This legislation follows similar moves in Washington state, which was the first to pass statewide legislation recognizing these Muslim holidays. Newsom also signed other bills related to religious observances. Assembly Bill 395 codifies Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur into state law, requiring state agencies and facilities to make reasonable efforts to avoid scheduling significant functions on these days. Additionally, Assembly Bill 1763 guarantees students in K-12 excused absences for religious holidays.

While all three bills were signed into law, the order in which they were signed drew criticism from some Republicans. Elizabeth Barcohana, chair of Jewish engagement for the California Republican Party, suggested that Newsom's signing of the Eid bill before the Jewish holiday bills indicated a political direction. She expressed concern that the laws might grant Muslim holidays privileges not afforded to other religions, potentially leading to school closures and the adoption of religious considerations into public institutions. She also raised concerns about potential curriculum changes in public schools related to religious observances.

David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California, supported Newsom's actions, stating that the sequencing of the bills was not a concern as long as they became law. His organization also celebrated the signing of Senate Bill 1387, which recognizes Jewish identity as an ethnicity in California law. Newsom's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.