California Declares Islamic Festivals as State Holidays Under New Law

California has approved a new law recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation after it was introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that adds Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to the state’s recognized holidays.

The measure, AB 2017, was introduced by San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney. Newsom signed the bill on September 27, according to the Governor’s Office.

The new law recognizes the two major Islamic festivals within California’s state holiday framework.

• Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Adha is observed during the annual Hajj period.

Growing Recognition of Religious Holidays

Haney has said California is home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the United States. He said the state should recognize and respect the community’s religious traditions.

The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations welcomed the legislation.

The move follows growing recognition of religious holidays in California. State agencies already take religious observances into account when planning certain public meetings and events. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha have also appeared on California government calendars for religious and cultural observances.

AB 2017 is among several bills signed by Newsom in the latest round of legislation. The Governor’s September 27 legislative update lists the measure as “State holidays: Eid.”