(DOJ) is reportedly considering a policy that could restrict transgender individuals from owning firearms

Published by RawNews1st

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly considering a policy that could restrict transgender individuals from owning firearms, a move that has sparked controversy.

This potential shift follows the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where the suspect, Robin Westman, identified as a transgender woman.

In light of the incident, the DOJ is exploring whether transgender status could be classified under existing mental health criteria that disqualify certain individuals—those deemed “mentally defective”—from gun ownership.

Legal experts are raising concerns about the constitutionality of such a policy. The American Psychiatric Association does not classify being transgender as a mental illness, and critics warn that labeling transgender individuals as mentally unfit for gun ownership could lead to discrimination and infringe on their constitutional rights.

Currently, the DOJ has only stated that it is reviewing options to address violence linked to mental health and substance abuse issues, with no formal proposals yet.

This potential policy is part of a broader pattern of contentious actions by the Trump administration concerning transgender rights, including policies related to military service and gender recognition in federal records.

Any change in policy is expected to spark significant legal challenges and public opposition. As the DOJ weighs its next steps, the ongoing debate about balancing public safety and civil liberties remains heated, with many questioning how such a measure would impact transgender Americans.