Governor Bob Ferguson signs historic bill officially recognizing Eid holidays

Governor Bob Ferguson has made history by signing a bill that officially recognizes Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays in Washington, marking the state as the first to do so. Sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau and Rep. Osman Salahuddin, the legislation aims to honor the cultural and religious practices of the state's Muslim population, which exceeds 100,000. While the new law does not designate these holidays as paid days off, it adds them to a growing list of recognized observances, reinforcing the significance of diversity in the state.

Ferguson highlighted that this legislation is a step towards acknowledging and respecting the Muslim community, which has faced increasing discrimination in recent years. During the signing event at the Islamic Center of Tacoma, both Trudeau and Salahuddin expressed their gratitude for the strong community support behind the bill. Trudeau, the first Muslim elected to the Legislature, emphasized the importance of religious liberty and inclusion, stating that Washington should be a place where everyone feels valued. The new law comes at a critical time, as reports indicate that over 82% of Muslims in Washington have faced Islamophobia recently. This legislative action is viewed as a vital step toward promoting respect, visibility, and inclusion for the Muslim community.