<p>California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2017 into law on Sunday, officially recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays. This legislation makes California the second state, after Washington, to recognize both holidays statewide.</p><p>The new law allows public schools and colleges to close on these holidays and permits state employees to observe them. However, it does not mandate that schools and businesses close, and courts are required to remain open.</p><p>Prior to signing AB 2017, Newsom had other bills on his desk that aimed to provide protections for additional religious observances, including Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. One of these, Assembly Bill 395, was signed shortly after AB 2017 and requires state agencies to avoid scheduling significant functions on these Jewish holidays. Another bill, Assembly Bill 1763, ensures that K-12 students can take excused absences for religious holidays.</p><p>Critics, including some Republican leaders, expressed concern that Newsom prioritized the recognition of Muslim holidays over those of Jewish holidays. Elizabeth Barcohana, chair of Jewish engagement for the California Republican Party, commented that the order of the bills reflects Newsom's political ambitions as he considers a 2028 presidential run.</p><p>Barcohana also raised concerns that the new laws could grant Muslim holidays privileges not afforded to other religions, including the potential to close schools. She described this as a shift towards adopting a framework similar to Sharia law.</p><p>In contrast, David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California, supported the governor's actions and stated that the order of the bill signings was not a concern, as all three bills became law. He expressed satisfaction that three Jewish holidays are now recognized in California law.</p><p>Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office for comment but did not receive an immediate response.</p>
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California Governor Signs Bill Recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as State Holidays
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays, making California the second state to do so. The law allows public schools and colleges to close and permits state employees to observe these holidays, though it does not require closures for schools or businesses. The signing has drawn both support and criticism regarding the prioritization of Muslim holidays over Jewish holidays.
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Gavin Newsom signs Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha into law as new California state holidays
California Governor Signs Bill Recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as State Holidays