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California could soon formally recognize two of Islam’s most important holy days under legislation that would give state workers greater flexibility to take them off and allow public schools to close in observance of the holidays.The measure, which overwhelmingly passed the state Assembly and is awaiting Senate action, would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in state law and could soon head to Democratic Gov.Gavin Newsom’s desk.Assembly Bill 2017, introduced by Democratic San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney, passed the Assembly 64-1 in late May.
It must clear the Senate before the legislative session ends Monday to reach Newsom.TRUMP DOJ EXPANDS RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PROTECTIONS AFTER MAJOR SUPREME COURT RULINGSGov.Gavin Newsom speaks during an event about new savings for California car buyers and a major milestone in the state's clean energy future at the Bridge Yard Facility in Oakland, California, on Aug.
7, 2026.(Anadolu via Getty Images)The bill would let state employees use existing paid holiday credits to take time off for Eid.
Public schools and community colleges could also close for the holidays."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 a news release about the bill 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."California Assemblymember Matt Haney, speaks during a press confernce at All City Boxing Club in Los Angeles, (Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/The Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)Haney also said the bill is also about treating Muslim Californians equally."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 said.Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," ma...