Donald Trump’s campaign has criticised Joe Biden for declaring Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) would be recognised on Easter Sunday.
The US president made the announcement on Friday, saying the day was to “honour the extraordinary courage and contributions of transgender Americans and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to forming a more perfect union”.
He urged Americans “to join us in lifting up the lives and voices of transgender people throughout our nation and to work toward eliminating violence and discrimination based on gender identity”.
TDOV, which celebrates the transgender community, has fallen on 31 March annually since 2009.
But critics of Democrat Mr Biden have hit out at his decision to declare it on the same day this year knowing it coincides with Easter Sunday, a holy day for Christians which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus.
Mr Trump’s campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt demanded an apology from the Biden administration, claiming the move was part of a “years-long assault on the Christian faith”.
“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,” Ms Leavitt said on Saturday.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, also criticised the president, saying the “Biden White House has betrayed the central tenet of Easter” and calling the decision “outrageous and abhorrent” on social media.
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White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said the Republicans criticising Mr Biden “are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful and dishonest rhetoric”.
“As a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American,” he added.
“President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit.”
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Mr Biden is regularly seen attending church services and has said in numerous interviews that he considers his Catholic upbringing to be a core part of his identity.
He met Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2021 and afterwards told reporters the pontiff said he was a “good Catholic” who should keep receiving Communion.
But Mr Biden’s political stances on gay marriage and support for women having the right to abortion have put him at odds with many conservative Christians.
It’s been a regular point of reference for Mr Trump over the years, who in 2020 claimed his political opponent was “against God”.
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“He’s following the radical-left agenda: take away your guns, destroy your second amendment, no religion, no anything, hurt the Bible, hurt God,” Mr Trump told a crowd in Cleveland as he tried to win voters in the swing state of Ohio.
Mr Biden called the then president’s attack “shameful” and said his faith was the “bedrock foundation” of his life.
The president and first lady are set to hold their third White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday – a historic tradition which sees tens of thousands of participants take part in themed activities.
