Embracing Cultural Roots: Senator Parker Champions Good Friday As An Official Public Holiday

BROOKLYN - State Senator Kevin Parker reiterates his commitment to inclusivity and respect for all faiths with a renewed call for the passage of legislation S5856, calling on the State of New York to recognize Good Friday as a public holiday. Introduced in 2017, this visionary bill seeks to afford Good Friday the same recognition and observance as other religious holidays.

"Recognizing Good Friday as a public holiday is more than a gesture of respect towards New York's Christian community; it is a stride towards acknowledging the multicultural tapestry that defines our state," stated Senator Parker. "Just as we honor other religious holidays, acknowledging their cultural and spiritual importance, so too should we uplift Good Friday, allowing for a day of reflection and replenishment."

Good Friday is a day of profound religious significance for millions of Christians worldwide. It is a cornerstone of the Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday. This day serves as a testament to sacrifice, forgiveness, and the unyielding power of faith—values that are the bedrock of our spiritually and culturally diverse society. The enactment of S5856 is a necessary step forward in the spirit of equality, inclusivity, and respect for the religious observances of all New Yorkers. It symbolizes our collective recognition of the profound spiritual heritage that shapes our communities and strengthens our bonds. This bill is not merely about a day off but creating space for understanding, tolerance, and cultural enrichment across faiths.

As we observe Good Friday this year, let us reflect on its universal themes of sacrifice, redemption, and renewal. Let us also renew our commitment to a society that values and respects cultural and religious traditions. The passage of S5856 into law would not only honor the significance of Good Friday but also reinforce New York's standing as a beacon of diversity and religious freedom.

                                                           About State Senator Kevin Parker

Senator Kevin S. Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of his ethnically diverse Brooklyn district comprising sections of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Kensington, Ditmas Park, Midwood, Flatlands, Canarsie, Georgetown, Old Mill Basin, Mill Basin, Marine Park, and Bergen Beach. A lifelong Brooklyn resident, Senator Parker is the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and a member of several other Senate committees including Finance, Rules, Banks, Internet, and Technology, as well as Budget and Revenue.