Many bills passed by Utah’s state Legislature affect the economy or the environment. The Good Friday bill, however, which passed the state House and Senate, touches on civility and the ability of individuals and families to practice their faith.
Although I do not frequent the political space, I recently attended a Utah legislative committee meeting where the bill was discussed and voted on after leaders of multiple Christian denominations offered compelling testimonies. Several legislators emphasized that the proposal is not about sponsoring religion but about showing proper respect for it.
As a Utah resident for almost two decades and a busy mom, I appreciate how this bill would remove some obstacles for citizens seeking to honor their religious beliefs.
In our own family, we have tried to observe Good Friday, but any parent knows how difficult it can be to persuade 10-, 12- or 16-year-olds to focus on religious observances when school demands and activities compete for their attention. When those pressures include big exams, dances, sports and extracurricular events, it becomes nearly impossible.
More than once I have wondered, “Why is my son focused on a spring dance or a major test when I hoped he would be focused on the day commemorating his redemption?” Or, “Why are finals so frequently scheduled on this most sacred day?”
These experiences make me empathetic for my friends of other faiths who may face similar hurdles on their holy days. One beautiful aspect of this bill is that it asks educational institutions to “prioritize to the extent possible, scheduling school breaks to coincide with state holy days” beginning with the 2027-28 school year.
While it may not be realistic for schools to close on every holy day listed, it could make sense to prioritize the most holy days like Yom Kippur (Jewish holiday) or Eid al-Fitr (Muslim holiday). When I have lived in places where my faith was in the minority, I did not expect the state to honor my holy days to the same extent as the majority religion. But I was glad when obstacles did not impede my efforts to worship.
This approach is not unusual. Many states, including Texas and Tennessee, either mandate school closure for certain holy days or require that absences for those observances be excused.
While there are sure to be complications, Utah’s schools and universities are certainly capable of finding ways for most academic and work obligations not to conflict with holy-day worship.
Occasionally Good Friday falls during spring break, but for most of the past decade in my school district, it has not. As a family who loves Jesus Christ, we value the opportunity to attend worship services, read the crucifixion accounts, spend time together and reflect on what we believe to be the greatest act of love, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Good Friday is among the most solemn and sacred days in the Christian calendar. For many believers it is marked by fasting, prayer and contemplation of the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. According to the biblical accounts, the Savior was crucified at 9 a.m. and died at 3 p.m. Many Christian congregations hold services during those hours or conclude worship at 3 p.m., the traditional time of his death.
Designating Good Friday as a half-day legal holiday allows Utah’s Christian population, which makes up roughly three-quarters of the state, to more fully participate in those observances. For these individuals and households, it is a profoundly sacred day.
Recognizing that reality is a reasonable gesture of civility. Latter-day Saints have not traditionally held worship services on Good Friday, but for many of the state’s almost 300,000 Catholics, or 500,000 Protestants in Utah, this is welcome legislation.
Again, such recognition is not unusual. Sixteen U.S. states already observe Good Friday as a legal or state holiday in some form. The New York Stock Exchange closes on that day, and numerous nations observe Good Friday or Easter Monday as national holidays.
A year ago, President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invited people to establish Easter traditions in their families and “in society as a whole.” Recognizing Good Friday more formally in the state would contribute to that goal.
This isn’t just a subjective matter. Research also suggests that societies that allow greater freedom for religious observance tend to experience stronger economic growth, greater prosperity and social cohesion. A 2020 MIT analysis of 150 countries found that countries with greater religious freedom “exhibit greater levels of economic freedom” and “human flourishing.”
Recognizing Good Friday as a half-day legal holiday is clearly not mandating religion. Rather than forcing beliefs or worship, the government is simply acknowledging the beliefs of the people who live here.
I am grateful that Utah’s laws and institutions are willing to show that respect.