ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10686ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10686

Bill of Rights Day, 2023

President Biden proclaimed December 15, 2023, as Bill of Rights Day, commemorating the 1791 ratification of the Bill of Rights. The proclamation includes political messaging criticizing recent Supreme Court decisions on abortion, state voting restrictions, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation, while highlighting administration actions on reproductive rights, voting access, and marriage equality.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 87653

Impact dates

  1. Bill of Rights Day observance

Key directives

  • Proclaim December 15, 2023 as Bill of Rights Day
  • Call upon people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities

Timeline

Immediate

  • December 15, 2023 designated as Bill of Rights Day
  • Call for public observance with ceremonies and activities

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Proclamation mixes ceremonial commemoration with partisan political messaging on contested issues
  • References to 'Supreme Court took away a constitutional right' and state legislation frame proclamation as political advocacy rather than neutral commemoration
  • Vague call to 'oppose these regressions' lacks concrete policy mechanism
Proclamation 10686: Bill of Rights Day, 2023 · Executive Orders