White House responds to GOP criticism as Transgender Day of Visibility falls on Easter

The White House responded Saturday to GOP criticism centered on Transgender Day of Visibility, which is observed each year on March 31, and its coinciding with Easter this year.

Republicans criticized President Biden after he issued a Friday proclamation recognizing March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility, as he has done every year he has been in the Oval Office. 

From the Trump campaign to House leadership, Republicans went after Biden for mocking faith as Easter this year falls on March 31. 

“The Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter — which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Saturday on social media.

Trump’s campaign said in a statement that the president should “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.”

Conservatives criticized the president, who is Catholic, saying he is undermining faith by recognizing the event on the same day as Easter, an important religious holiday. 

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates responded Saturday. 

“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with Family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” Bates said in a statement to multiple outlets. 

“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.”

The Transgender Day of Visibility was first recognized 15 years ago to celebrate transgender people and point to the discrimination they face. Easter lands on a different date each year.