New law allows employees to use existing paid leave for Eid observance, while schools may close through local agreements
CALIFORNIA: California has formally recognised Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha as official Islamic holidays after Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation aimed at making it easier for Muslims to observe the two religious occasions.
The legislation, known as AB 2017, officially recognises both Eids in California and allows employees to use their existing paid leave to observe the holidays.
Assembly member Matt Haney introduced the bill to Governor Newsom in March with the support of Muslim communities and organisations. The measure became law on September 10.
Under the new legislation, schools and public workplaces will have mechanisms to accommodate Muslims wishing to observe Eid without facing unnecessary conflicts with their academic or professional responsibilities.
Schools may also close for the religious occasions where arrangements are made through applicable local agreements.
According to US media reports, supporters of the legislation view the measure as a way of reducing workplace and educational barriers faced by Muslim residents when observing two of the most important occasions in the Islamic calendar.
The law does not establish additional paid leave specifically for Eid. Instead, it enables eligible workers to use paid leave already available to them for religious observance.
The recognition of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha represents a formal acknowledgment of the religious occasions within California’s framework for accommodating the diverse faith traditions of its population.
