(FOX40.COM) \u2014 During Ramadan, one state lawmaker wants California to recognize two major Muslim holidays.<\/p>\n
Asm. Matt Haney, D-San Francisco, last week announced a bill that would formally recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays.<\/p>\n
While other major religions have their major holidays recognized by the state \u2014 holidays like Christmas, Easter and Hanukkah \u2014Haney said two of the most important holidays for Muslims go unacknowledged.<\/p>\n
\u201cCalifornia is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the country, and their traditions deserve recognition and respect,\u201d he said in a news release. \u201cNo student should have to choose between celebrating one of the holiest days of their faith and showing up to school, and no worker should feel they have to sacrifice their religious observance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haney said his new legislation, Assembly Bill 2017, would ensure Muslims in California are \u201cseen, valued and treated with the same dignity as every other community in our state.\u201d<\/p>\n
By declaring Eid a state holiday, the bill would guarantee excused absences for students and allow workers to use paid leave to take the day off.<\/p>\n
Muslim community leaders said the bill is particularly important amid rising Islamophobia. Hala Hijazi, founder of the Muslim Impact Council, called Haney\u2019s bill a \u201chistoric step.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBy recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, we are affirming that equity, dignity, and belonging must be lived realities for Muslim Californians,\u201d Hijazi said in a statement. \u201cThis vital legislation will help position California as a leader in religious inclusion.\u201d<\/p>\n
AB 2017 will be heard in two committees \u2014 Assembly Governmental Organization and Assembly Public Employment \u2014 in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
Eid al-Fitr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan, is March 20-22 this year. Eid al-Adha is May 27-30.<\/p>\n
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