The White House issued a response on Saturday addressing the criticism from the GOP regarding the overlap between Transgender Day of Visibility and Easter this year, which both fall on March 31.
President Biden faced criticism from Republicans for his annual proclamation recognizing March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility. This practice has been consistent throughout his time in the Oval Office.
Republicans criticized Biden for mocking faith, as Easter falls on March 31 this year.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed his disappointment with the Biden White House, accusing them of betraying the fundamental principle of Easter, which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a post on social media, Johnson highlighted his concerns.
In a statement, Trump’s campaign demanded that the president apologize to the millions of Catholics and Christians throughout America who believe that tomorrow is a day solely dedicated to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Critics from the conservative camp have voiced their concerns over the president’s decision to acknowledge the event on the same day as Easter, a significant religious holiday. They argue that this move undermines faith, particularly given the president’s Catholic background.
On Saturday, Andrew Bates, a spokesperson for the White House, provided a response.
According to a statement given to multiple outlets, President Biden, who celebrates Easter with his family, believes in the importance of uniting people and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American.
“It is disheartening to see politicians resorting to tactics that aim to divide and undermine our nation through harsh, hateful, and deceitful language. President Biden, on the other hand, remains steadfast in his commitment to never exploit his faith for political gain or personal profit.”
The Transgender Day of Visibility, which has been acknowledged for the past 15 years, serves as a celebration of transgender individuals and sheds light on the challenges they encounter. It is worth noting that Easter falls on a different date every year.