The Biden administration confirmed its support for accepting the Transgender Day of Visibility on Sunday, despite facing criticism from Republicans regarding the day coinciding with Easter Sunday.
A number of people from the Biden administration, including President Biden himself, accepted the holiday through posts on social media. On Friday, President Biden made a declaration regarding the recognition of Sunday as an important day. This day, known as Transgender Day of Visibility, has been observed annually on March 31 since 2009.
Biden Declares Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday
On March 31, 2024, Biden declared it as Transgender Day of Visibility, which comes on Easter Sunday, a major Christian event. Widespread opposition to the decision has been expressed by Republican politicians, religious leaders, and members of the public.
Prominent Republicans, such as House Speaker Mike Johnson, slammed the Biden administration's declaration harshly, claiming it violated the essence of Easter, which honors the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Johnson criticized the administration's action, calling it disrespectful to a sacred tradition.
Former President Donald Trump joined the chorus of condemnation, calling for an immediate apology to millions of Christians and Catholics. Trump's national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, characterized Biden's proclamation as part of an ongoing assault on the Christian faith by the current administration.
The controversy deepened as the White House faced additional scrutiny for reportedly banning religious egg designs in its Easter Art Event, a decision viewed by critics as further evidence of a disregard for Christian values.
Christian evangelist Franklin Graham weighed in, asserting that Biden's actions demonstrated a lack of respect for God and the significance of Easter. Graham emphasized the contrast between the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what he perceived as the glorification of sin by the administration, according to New York Post.
Lawmakers Condemn Biden's Declaration
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem condemned Biden's declaration as an insult to Christians, with Reeves describing it as a deliberate attempt to disparage the faith community. Noem went further, suggesting that the Biden administration was marginalizing people of faith in America.
Pastor Raphael Warnock, a Democratic senator from Georgia, condemned Johnson's comments in a rare political intervention, stressing the need to use faith as a unifying rather than a dividing factor.
The controversy extended beyond the realm of politics, with reality star Caitlyn Jenner expressing her dismay at Biden's proclamation, highlighting the importance of Easter as a sacred observance for Christians.
However, there were voices endorsing Biden's message even though the attacks. Transgender Day of Visibility is a celebration of bravery and resilience, and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken applauded it, citing the importance of equality and inclusion for transgender people.
Transgender Day of Visibility, established in 2009 by Rachel Crandall-Crocker, aims to honor the contributions of transgender people while raising awareness of the challenges they face, including discrimination and violence, Daily Mail reported.
Related Article: US Senator Van Hollen Urges Biden to Stop Sending Bombs to Israel as Gazans Face Growing Famine
