Senator Aisha Wahab’s Bill to Allow State Employees to Celebrate Their Own Cultural Holidays Passes in the Senate

Sacramento, Calif. — During a Senate floor vote on Monday, Senator Aisha Wahab’s SB 461, regarding religious and cultural observances, passed with a vote of 37 to 0 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill allows for state employees to observe holiday of their choosing.

Of the successful vote, Senator Wahab said “I believe in embracing the diversity of our great state, and ensuring all who are here—and all who come here—have the freedom to celebrate their religious and cultural practices without fear, shame, or systemic barriers.”

During a press conference earlier in the day, Senator Wahab highlighted how significant SB 461 will be to members of the Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Latino communities, as well as the need for greater inclusion across systems.

SB 461 is supported by Council on American-Islamic Relations, California; California Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO; California Teachers Association, and National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter.

The bill is now headed to the Assembly, and must make its way through committees and a floor vote before it reaches Governor Newsom’s desk.

###

Senator Aisha Wahab represents the 10th Senate District, which includes the cities of Fremont, Hayward, Newark, Union City, Milpitas, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale; as well as unincorporated communities of Alameda and Santa Clara counties including Fairview, Alum Rock, East Foothills. Senator Wahab lives in Hayward. Website of Senator Aisha Wahab: https://sd10.senate.ca.gov