White House hits out at Republicans for criticising Biden's transgender proclamation on Easter
US President Joe Biden speaks during his visit at the Chavis Community Center in Raleigh.
The White House has slammed the Republicans for criticising the proclamation issued by United States President Joe Biden in support of transgender people on Easter and called their comments 'misleading' and 'dishonest'.
The president's spokesperson rejected the comments made by former president Donald Trump, the House speaker and others who called Biden's proclamation "blasphemous" and said that the Transgender Day of Visibility message goes against Christianity.
Speaking to ABC News, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said, "As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American."
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"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," Bates further said.
Republicans react to Biden's proclamation for transgenders
Biden, who is the second Catholic president of the United States, was subjected to a lot of criticism over the weekend after he issued a proclamation on Friday (Mar 29) honouring "the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans" for the Transgender Day of Visibility, which is marked annually on March 31.
The date of Easter, which keepschanging every year, fell on the Transgender Day of Visibility this year.
A statement was also issued by Biden on Sunday marking Easter which said that it "reminds us of the power of hope and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection. As we gather with loved ones, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. We pray for one another and cherish the blessing of the dawn of new possibilities."
Taking to X, Speaker Mike Johnson on Saturday (Mar 30) said that the Biden administration "has betrayed the central tenet of Easter--which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
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The speaker further added that the conduct of Biden around Easter was "outrageous and abhorrent," which included him "proclaiming Easter Sunday as 'Transgender Day'," even though the president was actually marking a date which is being celebrated since 2009.
Trump's reelection campaign on Saturday (Mar 30) also slammed the proclamation by Biden as "blasphemous."
"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," said Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a statement.
(With inputs from agencies)