Politics
California legislation recognizing two Islamic holidays moves toward final votes
Assembly Bill 2017 would allow state workers to use paid holiday credits for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and permit public schools to close for observance.
The short version
- California Assembly Bill 2017 seeks to formally recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in state law.
- The measure allows state employees to use paid holiday credits for the days and permits public schools and community colleges to close for observance.
- Supporters view the bill as a necessary step for religious equity, while opponents object to provisions allowing public schools to hold educational exercises about the holidays.
- The bill passed the Assembly in late May and requires Senate approval before the legislative session ends on Monday to reach Governor Gavin Newsom.
Key facts
- Assembly Bill 2017 was introduced by San Francisco Democratic Assemblymember Matt Haney.[Fox News]
- The bill passed the California State Assembly with a 64-1 vote in late May.[Fox News]
- Under the proposed law, state workers could use existing paid holiday credits for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and public schools and community colleges could choose to close.[Fox News]
- Advocacy groups including CAIR California and the Muslim Impact Council support the legislation to accommodate Muslim workers and students.[Fox News]
- The California Family Council opposes the bill's provisions that permit schools to hold exercises celebrating the holidays and allow the state board to create model curricula, alleging unequal treatment compared to Christian and Jewish holidays.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
Sources
- California bill recognizing 2 Islamic holidays nears Newsom’s deskFox News - Politics