The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, yesterday joined Assemblymember Matt Haney and community leaders to announce Assembly Bill 2017, a measure that would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official California state holidays and make Eid an excused absence for students observing the holidays. CAIR-CA is a co-sponsor of the bill.
The measure would address a longstanding gap in state law for the more than one million California Muslims, whose two most significant religious holidays are not currently recognized by the state. If passed, AB 2017 would help ensure Muslim students can observe Eid without academic penalty and would allow state employees to use existing leave to take the day off, so no one is forced to choose between practicing their faith and showing up to school or work.
Supporters say the bill is a practical step toward giving California Muslims the same recognition and respect already reflected in state observances of other cultural and religious holidays.
The bill was announced yesterday afternoon at the Islamic Society of San Francisco. Lead sponsors include the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs and the Muslim Impact Council.
WATCH: AB 2017 Livestream
In a statement, CAIR-CA Legislative & Government Affairs Director Oussama Mokeddem said:
“This is a historic moment for California’s over one million Muslims. The climate of heightened fear and anti-Muslim hostility in our country remains a daily reality. In this environment, publicly celebrating these holidays is a powerful way for California to show Muslim constituents that their joy, traditions, and presence in our state are deeply valued and protected.”
Speakers at the announcement included Assemblymember Haney, State Senator and bill co-author Aisha Wahab, Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs Executive Director Khydeeja Alam, College of San Francisco Board of Trustees President Aliya Christi, Muslim Impact Council Founder Hala Hijazi, San Francisco District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, CAIR-CA Legislative & Government Affairs Director Oussama Mokeddem, SEIU Local 87 student member Mohamed Abozayd, Galileo Academy of Science and Technology High School student Hassan Radwan Haimed, and IFPTE Local 21 Chapter President Muhammad Yasir.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, 714.851.4851, eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Communications Contact Tasneem Manjra, 916.441.6469, tmanjra@cair.com; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, 760.201.7626, tnizam@cair.com; CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com