Christian leaders condemn President Biden’s declaration of Easter Sunday as “Transgender Visibility Day,” calling it an “insult” to the religious beliefs of millions It’s just the latest example of the House’s mixed priorities.
Biden’s declaration It criticizes “hateful laws that target and terrorize transgender children,” likely banning hormone therapy and restricting men’s sports to biological males.
“These bills attack some of the most fundamental American values, including the freedom to be who you are, the freedom to make your own health care decisions, and even the right to raise your own children.”
It also calls on Americans to “work to eliminate violence and discrimination based on gender identity.”
On Transgender Visibility Day, we celebrate the joy, strength, and absolute courage of some of the bravest people I know.
Today, we show millions of transgender and nonbinary Americans that they belong and should be treated with dignity and respect. pic.twitter.com/mhixHV9KC2
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) March 31, 2024
“I, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2024, as Transgender Visibility Day.” It is written.
Transgender Day of Visibility was established in 2009 as an annual celebration by the LGBTQ community, held every March 31st. This year it was Easter. The Obama administration never issued a proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility, despite taking a similar position to the Biden administration. Biden was the first president to make this declaration in 2021, and he made similar declarations in 2022 and 2023.
Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, was among the Christian leaders who criticized the Biden administration.
This is truly incredible.
President Biden announced a proclamation designating March 31st as Transgender Visibility Day.
This day is also Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. What is the president thinking?
This is so deep… pic.twitter.com/jwxt61jjls
— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) March 30, 2024
“This is a grave affront to the deeply held religious beliefs of millions of Americans on our most sacred day,” Rowley said on social media. “America needs God now more than ever, and this is the White House’s stance. It is time to turn to God, not turn away from Him. We need to pray for an awakening. That is our only hope.”
Evangelist Franklin Graham said the declaration “shows how little respect President Biden and his administration have for God.”
President Biden has declared tomorrow Easter Sunday “Transgender Visibility Day.” This shows once again how little respect President Biden and his administration have for God. On the most important day of the Christian calendar, celebrated by churches around the world…
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) March 31, 2024
“On this most important day in the Christian calendar, when churches around the world celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, who died and bled for the sins of mankind, the Biden administration is using this opportunity to condemn the sins of humanity. To flaunt it, to glorify sin, to celebrate sin,” Graham said. “The Bible says, “…like Sodom, they will confess their sins; they will not hide them. Woe to them!” (Isaiah 3:9). The verdict is coming. Instead of celebrating our sins, we need to confess our sins, repent, and ask God’s forgiveness. ”
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler said on a podcast: briefing “We cannot claim that we were not aware that this was Easter Sunday and that this would be a head-on collision,” the White House said. He added that the declaration shows “where the political priorities lie” at the White House.
A White House spokesperson responded to the criticism, saying that Biden is “a Christian who celebrates Easter with his family and stands in a position to unite people and protect the dignity and freedoms of all Americans.”
“Unfortunately, it is no surprise that politicians seek to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. We will never abuse our faith,” the spokesperson said. ABC News.
Mohler said the declaration is another example of what he called the transgender movement’s “struggle with reality.”
“Transgender Visibility Day is backfiring,” Mohler said. “It’s backfiring because the more we make visible the reality of transgender claims, the less they are believed by society as a whole.”
Image credit: ©Getty Images/Nito100
Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His story was published in Baptist Press. Christianity Today, Christian Poecent, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star and of knoxville news sentinel.
