(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 11/21/2023) – The Pennsylvania chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Pennsylvania) and Emgage-Pennsylvania today welcomed passage last week of HB1752 designating Eid al-Fitr as a state holiday. Introduced by State Representatives Carol Kazeem, Tarik Khan, and Jason Dawkins, the act received 134 votes in approval and 69 votes in opposition.
[NOTE: During the Eid al-Fitr (EED-AL-FITTER) or “feast of fast breaking” holiday at the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, Muslims offer public prayers, exchange social visits and seek to strengthen family and community bonds.]
Text of House Bill 1752 https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2023&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1752&pn=2131
The Bill annually designates the first day of the Islamic lunar month of Shawwal as Eid al-Fitr Day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The bill does not require an employer to treat Eid al-Fitr Day as a legal or official holiday or to provide paid leave to an employee on Eid al-Fitr Day solely by virtue of the date being designated as a holiday in Pennsylvania.
CAIR-PA and Emgage PA advocated for the passage of the bill during their co-organized Muslim Capitol Day in October 2023.
The bill will next go to State Senate for a vote and will then be sent to Governor Shapiro for a final signature.
Joining a press conference at Philadelphia Masjid to welcome the passage of the Bill at the House were Emgage Pennsylvania’s Salima Suswell and CAIR-Philadelphia’s Asiyah Jones.
“Having Eid recognized as an official holiday in Pennsylvania is a huge step in educating our community on the accommodations that may arise. We now expect the State Senate to follow the House’s example on this issue. I look forward to continuing having conversations that ensure Muslims across our commonwealth do not have to choose between their religious accommodations and their school/work life.” – Asiyah Jones, Youth Leadership and Advocacy Projects Coordinator, CAIR-Philadelphia.
“Today we were proud to stand with our friends in our state government as we celebrated the passage of House Bill 1752, which would make Eid al-Fitr a state holiday. We will continue to advocate for this necessary legislation as it moves through the state senate. And we know that through the efforts of fair and compassionate political leaders and the support of our communities, Eid al-Fitr will be a statewide holiday in Pennsylvania.” – Salima Suswell, Executive Director, Emgage Pennsylvania.
“As the prospect of recognizing Eid al-Fitr in Pennsylvania takes shape, this landmark decision fosters a deeper understanding of our community’s needs. We anticipate the State Senate’s support for the House’s inclusive stance. Let’s continue the dialogue to ensure that Muslims in our commonwealth can harmonize their religious practices with their daily lives without compromise.” – Christine Mohamed, Executive Director, CAIR-Pittsburgh.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, 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-Philadelphia Youth Leadership and Advocacy Projects Coordinator, Asiyah Jones, ajones@cair.com; CAIR Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, 412-606-3601, cmohamed@cair.com
