The annual White House Easter Egg Roll, a beloved tradition dating back to the nineteenth century, has sparked controversy this year as Republican politicians and commentators falsely accused President Joe Biden’s administration of banning religious themes and symbols from the celebration’s art contest.
The backlash began after Fox News published an article claiming that religious-themed designs were banned from the White House Easter egg art contest. Former President Donald Trump shared the article on his social media platform, Truth Social, without commenting on it. However, the rule prohibiting religious symbols and themes from submissions has been in place since 1978 under former President Jimmy Carter and has been enforced by every administration since, including Trump’s.
Despite clarification from the First Lady’s Communications Director and the American Egg Board, GOP members like Representative Elise Stefanik continued to criticize the Biden administration, linking it to the declaration of Transgender Visibility Day on March 31. President Biden’s statement honoring transgender Americans and commitment to equality sparked outrage from the religious right, with calls for apologies and accusations of disrespect to Christians.
As Transgender Visibility Day coincided with Easter Sunday this year, tensions between the religious right and LGBTQ+ advocates have escalated. The rise in anti-LGBTQ+ policies across the country, with over 479 bills introduced in state legislatures during the ongoing session, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The recent death of transgender teen Nex Benedict in Oklahoma, ruled a suicide, has further underscored the need for greater support and protection for LGBTQ+ youth.