Trump DOJ Targets Trans Rights: Proposed Ban on Gun Ownership Sparks Outrage

Trump's DOJ Considers Stripping Trans People of Right to Self-Defense The Department of Justice is reportedly considering options to ban trans people from owning guns, a move that has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates and raised concerns about the erosion of constitutional rights. According to sources, senior department officials have dedicated numerous meetings to determining how to strip trans individuals of their right to bear arms. This effort comes in response to the recent mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, where the perpetrator was identified as a trans person with a history of extremist online activity. "This is a cynical and transparent attempt to vilify an entire community in response to one incident," said Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD. "We know that trans people are not inherently violent or a public threat. This move would only serve to further marginalize and exclude them from the class of rights-bearing individuals." The proposal has sparked widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that it is a misguided attempt to address gun violence. "Rather than targeting an entire community, we should be working to address the root causes of gun violence, such as mental health issues and access to firearms," said Rachel Crandall, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. "This proposal would only serve to further stigmatize trans people and undermine their safety." The move is also seen as a continuation of a broader trend of using high-profile incidents to justify discriminatory policies. "We've seen this before with other marginalized communities," said Dr. Janet Mock, author and advocate. "After a tragedy occurs, there's often a rush to blame the victims or the community they belong to, rather than addressing the root causes of the issue." The Department of Justice has not officially confirmed the proposal, but sources indicate that it is still under consideration. As the debate continues, LGBTQ+ advocates are urging lawmakers and policymakers to prioritize evidence-based solutions to address gun violence, rather than targeting specific communities. "This is a moment for us to come together and demand better," said Ellis. "We must work towards creating a society where everyone has access to safety and equality." Background: The Annunciation Catholic Church shooting was one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent U.S. history, with 10 people killed and several others injured. In the aftermath of the tragedy, there were reports that the perpetrator had expressed extremist views online and had a history of mental health issues. Additional Perspectives: "This proposal is not just about guns; it's about who gets to be seen as deserving of rights and protections," said Dr. Monica Roberts, founder of TransGriot. "We need to focus on creating safe spaces for trans people, rather than trying to strip them of their rights," said Jamie Lee Curtis, actress and advocate. Current Status: The proposal is still under consideration by the Department of Justice, with no official confirmation or timeline for a decision. *Reporting by Theintercept.*