(CANTON, MI, 5/3/2023) – The Michigan chapter of Council on America Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed Michigan House bills that – if passed – will recognize several holidays of religious minorities in the state.
Michigan House bills 4446-4449 seek to officially recognize specific Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh holidays on the state calendar. Regarding particular Muslim holidays, Bill 4447 mentions Eid al-Adha, the most important Muslim celebration that coincides with Hajj or pilgrimage season, and Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Recognition of these holidays would not mean that state offices close on those holidays.
SEE: Bills would recognize Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, other celebrations as state holidays (Oakland Press)
“We welcome the introduction of these House bills, which would give official state recognition to sacred times of minority religious communities in Michigan,” said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. “In a time in which immigrant communities are being maligned and sacred beliefs of religious groups are being marginalized, it is important for our elected officials to signal that all Michiganians, irrespective of national origin or religious beliefs, have a sense of belonging in our state.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos
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CONTACT: CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, (248) 842-1418, [email protected]; CAIR-MI State Attorney Amy V. Doukoure, (586) 943-8823, [email protected]