White House defends Transgender Day of Visibility as leading Republicans go on attack

The White House is pushing back against Republican criticism over its decision to mark the International Transgender Day of Visibility on Sunday, the same day as Easter this year.

The Trans Day of Visibility has been celebrated on March 31 every year since 2009, and President Biden has issued proclamations marking it every year since he took office in 2021.

The coincidence that it fell on the same day as Easter prompted a news cycle of outraged conservatives.

Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson of California and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina were among the Republicans who criticized Biden for officially marking the day with a White House proclamation.

“We call on Joe Biden’s failing campaign and White House to issue an apology to the millions of Catholics and Christians across America who believe tomorrow is for one celebration only — the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated saturday.

The White House stuck by Biden’s decision.

“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” White House spokesperson Andrew Bates told ABC News.

“Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit,” he added.

Biden, 81, is only the second Catholic president in American history, following John Kennedy.

Activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker started Trans Day of Visibility in 2009, and the celebration has since spread worldwide. Crandall-Crocker said she was inspired to start the day because the only widely recognized day for transgender people was the Trans Day of Remembrance.

“Hundreds of people have told me that Visibility Day is the most important day for them all year,” Crandall-Crocker told Them magazine in 2021. “People tell me that by creating this, I have saved their lives.”

With News Wire Services