Gavin Newsom signs Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha into law as new California state holidays

California has officially recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays, allowing public schools and colleges to close and state employees to observe them. This move makes California the second state, after Washington, to implement statewide legislation for these Muslim holidays. While Governor Newsom also signed bills providing protections for Jewish holidays and excused absences for religious observances, the order of signing sparked criticism from Republican opponents who accused him of prioritizing Muslim holidays.

• California has signed into law Assembly Bill 2017, formally recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays.
• This legislation allows public schools and colleges to close and makes state employees eligible to observe these holidays.
• California is now the second state, following Washington, to enact statewide legislation recognizing these Muslim holidays.
• Governor Newsom also signed bills related to Jewish holidays, including codifying them into state law and allowing excused absences for students.
• Republican critics expressed concern that the governor prioritized Muslim holidays over Jewish holidays, suggesting it could set a precedent for Sharia law frameworks.
• Supporters, like David Bocarsly of Jewish California, stated they were not concerned about the signing order as long as all relevant bills became law.
• Newsom’s office stated that bills are signed based on their substance and the constitutional process, emphasizing California’s commitment to religious freedom.