Republicans criticize Biden for recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter, despite annual observance on March 31

Republicans are criticizing President Joe Biden for declaring Easter Sunday as the Transgender Day of Visibility, even though this year they coincidentally fell on the same day. The Transgender Day of Visibility has been observed since 2009 to honor the achievements of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, taking place on March 31 each year. In contrast, the date of Easter varies annually.

Several Republicans criticized President Biden for declaring Easter Sunday as 'Trans Day of Visibility'.

Former President Donald Trump's campaign released a statement saying, "It is appalling and insulting that Joe Biden’s White House formally proclaimed Easter Sunday as ‘Trans Day of Visibility’."

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his disappointment with the Biden administration's actions in a recent post on X, stating that they had "betrayed the central tenet of Easter." He noted that the American people are paying attention to these developments.

In response, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates issued a statement on Saturday, affirming that President Biden, a practicing Christian who celebrates Easter with his family, is committed to uniting people and protecting the dignity and freedoms of all Americans.

It's no surprise that politicians are trying to divide and weaken our country with mean, hurtful, and dishonest words. President Biden will never use his faith for politics or personal gain," Bates said.

Biden's presidential proclamation this year recognizes the Transgender Day of Visibility as a time to celebrate the bravery and achievements of transgender Americans.

Transgender Americans are an integral part of our country, the proclamation emphasized. It stated that they should have the same rights and freedoms as all other Americans, including the basic freedom to be true to themselves.

The president highlighted his administration's efforts to support transgender rights, like ending the transgender military ban. He criticized Republican-led initiatives that seek to limit protections for transgender individuals, calling them acts of "bullying and discrimination."

Biden made history in 2021 by issuing the first presidential proclamation for the Transgender Day of Visibility. This annual recognition has continued each year since then.

The discussion around transgender rights has become more heated, especially with Republican politicians proposing strict laws. These laws include limits on gender-affirming treatments for minors and preventing trans women from participating in sports teams that match their gender identity.

Trump, who is the likely Republican nominee, has brought attention to the issue by pledging to "ban men from competing in women's sports." Some states have also started to implement this ban, as part of their anti-LGBTQ initiatives.

This story has been revised with more details.

Editor's P/S:

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