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Bill

Bill

SR 8688

Recognizing Ramadan.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Andy Billig and 26 co-sponsors

Washington Senate recognizes Ramadan and expresses support for Muslims in the state, aiming to reduce Islamophobia, promote understanding, and foster unity and inclusion.

Adopted.
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Bill Summary · SR 8688

Summary: Senate Resolution 8688 (SR 8688) – Recognizing Ramadan

Overview

  • Status: Adopted by the Washington State Senate on March 6, 2024.
  • Introduced: March 6, 2024
  • Type: Resolution (not a law; a formal expression of acknowledgment and support)
  • Primary sponsors: Senators Trudeau, Kuderer, Hasegawa, Torres, and Wagoner
  • Purpose: To recognize, honor, and express support for Ramadan and the Islamic faith, and to acknowledge the contributions and experiences of Muslim Washingtonians.

Key Provisions and Purpose

  • Recognition and respect: The resolution states that the Senate supports and respects the Muslim community and proudly acknowledges the Islamic faith and the experiences of Muslim residents of Washington, regardless of race, religion, immigration status, or country of origin.
  • Ramadan as a core aspect of Islam: Ramadan is identified as the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar and one of the five pillars of Islam. It is observed by healthy, adult Muslims through fasting from dawn to dusk and engaging in spiritual practices.
  • Observance details: It notes that Ramadan typically begins globally in March 2024 (with March 10 cited for commencement in global observance) and ends with Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday, which is marked in 2024 around April 9 (or the first day of the new moon sighting).
  • Cultural and community contributions: The resolution highlights the contributions of American Muslims to society—across healthcare, education, public service, business, arts, media, and community leadership—and notes the role of Muslim communities in charitable giving and service.
  • Purpose of recognition: By recognizing Ramadan, the resolution aims to reduce stigma, combat Islamophobia, promote social unity and healing, and encourage learning and understanding about the Islamic faith and Ramadan within Washington’s broader community.
  • Expressions of goodwill: The Senate offers sincere best wishes to Muslims in Washington and worldwide for a meaningful and joyous observance of Ramadan.

Who Is Affected

  • Primarily the Muslim community in Washington state.
  • Broadly, state residents and institutions are encouraged to foster awareness, tolerance, and respect for Ramadan and Islamic practices.
  • The resolution is symbolic and educational in nature, with no new regulatory or fiscal requirements.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Introduced: March 6, 2024
  • Adopted: March 6, 2024
  • Significance: Serves as an official state acknowledgment of Ramadan and an explicit invitation for community learning, inclusivity, and solidarity.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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