The bill aims to recognize and celebrate various religious holidays in Washington State, specifically Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, and Vaisakhi. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the contributions of diverse faiths and cultures, particularly in light of rising incidents of bias and hate against religious minorities. The bill introduces a new section that highlights the need for inclusivity and respect for all communities, asserting that recognizing these holidays can help combat fear and isolation among religious groups.
Additionally, the bill amends RCW 1.16.050 to expand the list of recognized nonlegal state holidays. Notably, it includes the first and second days of the seventh month of the Jewish calendar, known as Rosh Hashanah, and the tenth day of the seventh month, known as Yom Kippur, among other significant dates. The bill also retains existing provisions regarding state legal holidays and employee entitlements to unpaid holidays for reasons of faith or conscience, ensuring that employees can observe these important days without undue hardship.