The Easter weekend saw the Republican outrage machine in full swing after President Biden acknowledged that Sunday held significance for more than one reason.
On March 31, International Transgender Day of Visibility is observed annually. Easter, on the other hand, falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
This year, a rare occurrence took place where the Transgender Day of Visibility coincided with Easter, a phenomenon that won’t happen again until 2086. President Biden publicly acknowledged both occasions, as he has consistently done every year since taking office in 2021.
The Republican response was swift, with many issuing statements accusing Mr. Biden of disrespecting Christianity — a recurring theme of anger following public acknowledgments of transgender individuals.
President Biden issued a proclamation on Friday to honor the courage and contributions of transgender Americans, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to equality for all.
On Easter Sunday, Mr. Biden emphasized the message of hope and the promise of Christ’s resurrection.
Critics, including former President Trump’s spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt and House speaker Mike Johnson, demanded an apology from Mr. Biden for what they perceived as overshadowing the significance of Easter with the Transgender Day of Visibility. Senator Marsha Blackburn labeled the proclamation as an attack on religion.
Democrats, such as Senator Raphael Warnock, pushed back against the Republican criticism, emphasizing the need for unity and understanding in matters of faith.
Ms. Leavitt and Mr. Johnson, along with others, also accused Mr. Biden of further targeting Christianity by allegedly banning religious designs from an Easter egg decorating contest. However, such restrictions have been in place across administrations.
A White House spokesman, Andrew Bates, defended President Biden’s actions, stating his commitment to inclusivity and respect for all Americans.
The criticism of transgender individuals has become a prevalent theme in Republican discourse, with many conservatives viewing their recognition as a threat. Mr. Biden’s proclamation also condemned the discriminatory laws passed by Republican-led states targeting transgender rights.
