The White House fends off Republican criticism of its decision to mark the International Transgender Day of Visibility on Sunday, the same day as Easter this year.
Trans Visibility Day has been celebrated on March 31 each year since 2009, and President Biden issued proclamations marking it every year since taking office in 2021.
The coincidence that it falls on the same day as Easter sparked a news cycle outraged conservatives.
Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson of California and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina were among the Republicans who criticized Biden for officially marking the day with a proclamation from the White House.
“We call on Joe Biden’s failed campaign and the White House to apologize to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe that tomorrow is only one celebration: the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Saturday.
The White House stands by Biden’s decision.
“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with familyPresident Biden stands for bringing people together and respecting the dignity and freedoms of every American,” White House spokesman Andrew Bates told ABC News.
“Unfortunately, it is no surprise that politicians seek to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political gain or profit,” he added.
Biden, 81, is just the second Catholic president in American historyfollowing John Kennedy.
Activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker launched Trans Day of Visibility in 2009, and the celebration has since spread around the world. Crandall-Crocker said she was inspired to start the day because the only widely recognized day for transgender people was Trans Day of Remembrance.
“Hundreds of people have told me that Visibility Day is the most important day of the year for them” Crandall-Crocker told Them magazine in 2021. “People tell me that by creating this, I saved their lives. »
With news feed services
