California formally recognises Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha under state law

California has officially recognised Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha under state law after Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation covering the two Islamic festivals.

The law allows eligible state employees to use existing leave to observe the occasions. It also gives public schools and community colleges the option to close for Eid under arrangements made at the local level.

The legislation does not create two new paid holidays for all workers in California. Eligible state employees can use up to eight hours of vacation, annual leave, compensating time off or personal holiday credit to observe either Eid, subject to the rules of the law.

Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, while Eid ul Adha falls during Zil Hajj, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The new law also removes the two festivals from California’s list of judicial holidays.

Assembly member Matt Haney, who introduced the legislation, said California has one of the largest Muslim populations in the US and that the community’s religious traditions should be recognised.

The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), which backed the legislation, also welcomed the move. The group said the law would help Muslim students and workers observe Eid without having to choose between their religious celebrations and school or work responsibilities.

CAIR-CA estimates that more than one million Muslims live in California.

According to the California Legislative Information website, Newsom signed AB 2017 on September 27. The legislation was filed with the Secretary of State on the same day.