Camila Francisco
President Joe Biden’s recent proclamation designating March 31 as “Transgender Day of Visibility,” coinciding with Easter Sunday this year, has ignited a flurry of criticism from Donald Trump’s campaign and religious conservatives.
In his proclamation issued last Friday, the Democratic president urged all Americans to recognize and support transgender individuals, emphasizing the need to combat violence and discrimination based on gender identity.
However, the timing of the proclamation, overlapping with one of Christianity’s most sacred observances, Easter, has drawn sharp rebuke.
Trump’s campaign, joined by fellow Republicans, accused Biden, a Roman Catholic, of insensitivity toward religion.
Karoline Leavitt, press secretary for the Trump campaign, demanded an apology from Biden’s team, condemning what she described as an “assault on the Christian faith.” House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana echoed this sentiment on social media, denouncing the decision as “outrageous and abhorrent,” asserting that the Biden White House had betrayed the essence of Easter.
In response, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates defended Biden, accusing Republicans of attempting to sow division with “cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric.”
Bates emphasized Biden’s commitment to unity and the preservation of every American’s dignity and freedoms, highlighting the president’s refusal to exploit his faith for political gain.
The proclamation, which Biden initially issued in 2021, serves as a declaration of public policy. However, this year’s timing, coupled with heightened tensions from the recent presidential campaign, has provided an opportunity for Republicans to question Biden’s religious convictions.
Biden’s stance on issues such as gay marriage and abortion rights has consistently put him at odds with conservative Christians, further fueling the criticism surrounding his latest proclamation.
