California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a state law Thursday renaming Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day after sexual abuse allegations were published earlier this month regarding the late labor union leader.

The state law unanimously passed the state Senate earlier Thursday and unanimously passed the state assembly on Monday. California designated March 31 as Cesar Chavez day in 2000, seven years after his death at the age of 66.

Two women told The New York Times that Chavez had sexually abused them when they were girls in the 1970s. Chavez's fellow labor leader, Dolores Huerta, also alleged that Chavez had raped her in one instance and pressured her to have sex with him in another, both leading to pregnancies of girls that she arranged to be raised by other families.

Chavez’s family said in a statement that they are devastated by the allegations against their loved one but supported the alleged victims.

“We wish peace and healing to the survivors and commend their courage to come forward," they said. "As a family steeped in the values of equity and justice, we honor the voices of those who feel unheard and who report sexual abuse."

The new state law stripping Chavez's name from the holiday went into effect immediately, according to Politico. The governor has not commented on the legislation so far.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.