Wed Sep 10 21:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, aiming for a neutral and objective tone:

**Justice Department Considers Transgender Gun Ban, NRA Opposes Blanket Restrictions**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. -** The National Rifle Association (NRA) announced Friday it will oppose any blanket ban on firearm ownership targeting transgender individuals. This follows reports that the Justice Department is internally discussing whether it can use its rulemaking authority to classify transgender people as mentally ill, potentially restricting their Second Amendment rights.

According to sources cited by CNN and other outlets, the Justice Department’s deliberations are in response to last month’s mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church. These discussions are reportedly preliminary, and a final rule is not imminent.

“The NRA supports the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans to purchase, possess and use firearms,” the organization stated in a social media post. “NRA does not, and will not, support any policy proposals that implement sweeping gun bans that arbitrarily strip law-abiding citizens of their Second Amendment rights without due process.”

The potential rule change has drawn immediate criticism from civil rights groups and gun rights advocates, who argue it would be overly broad, unconstitutional, and discriminatory. Critics point out that there is no evidence to suggest transgender individuals are more prone to violence. In fact, data indicates transgender people are significantly more likely to be victims of violent crime.

The NRA’s stance underscores a long-held position against sweeping restrictions on gun ownership, even in the context of mental health concerns. The organization has historically opposed red flag laws and other measures aimed at preventing individuals with mental health issues from accessing firearms.

This isn’t the first time the NRA has weighed in on gun control measures following mass shootings. After the 2017 Las Vegas massacre, the organization initially supported but ultimately opposed regulations on bump stocks, which were later struck down by the Supreme Court.

The Justice Department has not yet released an official statement regarding the discussions. The potential for a transgender gun ban raises significant legal and ethical questions and is expected to spark considerable debate.

Read More