California Becomes First State to Recognize Jewish Identity as Ethnicity in Law

California has become the first state in the nation to classify Jewish identity as an ethnic and racial category, separate from religious affiliation.

On Wednesday, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1387, which amends California’s legal definition of ethnicity to encompass Jewish identity for demographic data collection. Beginning January 1, 2029, public agencies—including schools and correctional facilities—will be required to add a “Jewish” option on voluntary ethnicity and race disclosure forms.

David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California—a coalition representing several Jewish organizations in the state—called the signing “a historic step for the Jewish community” in a statement.

“Under the shadow of Nazi race theory, American Jewish leaders urged the government to count them solely as a religion,” he said, adding that this approach “didn’t work” and resulted in their omission from policy‑shaping data.

“Now hate‑crime, health, poverty, and education statistics will accurately reflect Jewish Californians, enabling better support for our community,” Bocarsly added. “Most importantly, it acknowledges us as the diverse, complex people we are.”

The legislation was a priority for numerous Jewish organizations across California, which maintains that Jewish peoplehood extends beyond religion and that the law should reflect that broader identity.

Newsom Voices Reservations About the Law

Newsom, however, voiced certain reservations when signing the bill into law.

“I strongly support this bill’s goal: accurate data leads to better understanding that informs policy,” Newsom, who is contemplating a presidential run in 2028, wrote in a signing statement. However, he expressed concern that the bill’s requirements could complicate compliance for state agencies and with federal regulations, and suggested revisiting the legislation.

In addition to signing SB 1387 on Wednesday—the last day he could approve or veto bills this legislative session—Newsom also approved AB 395, which bars scheduling public meetings and graduations on major cultural and religious holidays.

“Californians of all faiths and backgrounds should be able to fully participate in public life,” said Democratic Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the bill’s author, in a statement.

“For too long, members of our religious communities have had to choose between observing their faith and attending important public events or academic milestones,” added Gabriel, who chairs the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.

Newsom Approves Several Bills Relevant to the Jewish Community

Also on Wednesday, Newsom signed AB 1763, which adds religious holiday observance as an excused absence in schools, eliminating the need for a parent or guardian’s written request.

Newsom also signed several other bills benefiting the Jewish community in recent days, including AB 2664, which creates 100‑foot protective zones around the entrances to houses of worship.

Another new measure, AB 1836, closes a gap in California’s nonprofit security grant program by extending funding to off‑site religious events such as Hanukkah menorah lightings. The governor also approved AB 1853, which bans misleading or threatening content—including hate speech—from appearing in California voter guides.

Source link