As millions celebrated Easter this weekend, the Biden administration was criticized by many on social media, including several Republican politicians, for supposedly disrespecting the Christian holiday.
The criticism centered on two separate claims. One, that President Joe Biden declared Easter Sunday to now be Transgender Day of Visibility and two, that he banned religious symbols from an Easter egg art contest at the White House.
But both allegations are missing important context and misrepresent what actually happened.
Here’s a closer look at the facts.
CLAIM: Biden declared that Easter Sunday is now a holiday celebrating transgender people.
THE FACTS: Transgender Day of Visibility has been celebrated on March 31 since 2009, when the holiday was created. Every year since becoming president, Biden has issued a proclamation around the observance on that date. It was a coincidence in 2024 that the day corresponded with Easter Sunday, which falls on a different date each year.
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
Raptors hand Wizards franchise
Sullinger leads Shenzhen past Beijing in CBA playoffs
Young Boys seals 6th Swiss soccer league title in 7 years after rallying from firing coach Wicky
Nicaragua severs diplomatic relations with Ecuador after assault on Mexican embassy
Verstappen eases to win in 2024 F1 season opener
Chinese online literature starts new chapter overseas
Online reading or offline clubs? Young Chinese embrace both in digital era
New Godzilla x Kong film continues to lead China box office
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Prince Harry in legal setback about security protection in UK