A federal government bureaucracy wants to make a controversial change to the background check forms general consumers use to purchase new firearms from licensed gun dealers.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is amending Form 4473 to include an additional gender option where a prospective firearm buyer describes themselves for their background check.
An additional box labeled “Non-Binary” will provide consumers who think they are “gender non-conforming” with an option to openly state an identity preference outside of the conventions of science and biology.
Little is known at this time about what suddenly prompted the proposed change to the form. ATF hasn’t issued any statements, and calls to the agency’s public information officers in both Dallas and Washington were not answered.
The proposed rule change is on the Federal Register for a 60-day public comment period ending on February 24. Citizens can comment on the proposal before the changes go into effect.
