SPONSOR:	Sen. Sokola & Sen. Townsend & Rep. Baumbach
	Sen. Bushweller, Marshall, Peterson; Reps. Heffernan, Osienski, Ramone

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

148th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 81

RECOGNIZING TWO DISTINGUISHED MUSLIM HOLIDAYS, EID AL-FITR AND EID AL-ADHA.

WHEREAS, Islam is one of the world’s major religions and part of our shared human heritage; and

WHEREAS, from the early days of the pioneers to our present day leaders, Muslims have played a significant role in the history of the State of Delaware’s economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development; and

WHEREAS, there are several thousand Muslim residents across this State, contributing to its economy, social fabric, and multicultural and pluralistic traditions; and

WHEREAS, the Muslim residents of this State, with their hard work and contributions to medicine, science, information technology, education, and many other fields, have benefitted from and enriched the State’s open, tolerant, and economically vibrant environment; and

WHEREAS, Muslims annually celebrate 2 religious holidays: Eid al-Fitr, after the holy month of fasting in Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, during the pilgrimage of haj; and

WHEREAS, in accord with the sentiments of United States’ President Barack Obama, “Ramadan is a time to reflect spiritually, build communally, and aid those in need. While Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, it marks a new beginning for each individual – a reason to celebrate and express gratitude on this holiday”; and

WHEREAS, during the two Eids, all people are encouraged to reflect on past success and challenges of Muslims and look to the future to continue to improve our society so that we live up to ideals of freedom, equality, and justice; and

WHEREAS, this State recognizes the celebration of both Muslim holidays henceforth as part and parcel of our country’s religious and cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, as these holidays are celebrated, we must remember the critical importance of the respect that is to be accorded to all faiths and beliefs as reflected in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which forbids the making of any “law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise of religion.”

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 148^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are recognized.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly extends its best regards to Muslims who celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in this State and throughout the world.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly encourages school and employers throughout our State to extend religious accommodations, in accordance with existing law, to the many Muslims students in our schools and Muslim workers throughout our State.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all residents of this State are encouraged to join the General Assembly in celebrating the collective ingenuity, creativity, cultures, and traditions of Muslims, and committing ourselves to raise awareness and appreciation of the 2 Eids by participating in events honoring the contributions of Muslims.