A discussion over “trans” rights and gun laws on Fox News has sparked intense debate following a high-profile segment on “The Five.”
Host Lawrence Jones argued that transgender individuals who genuinely believe they are another sex should face restrictions on firearm ownership, igniting reactions across social media and policy circles.
Jones criticized a political double standard, noting that groups advocating for gun restrictions often avoid addressing mental health in the context of “trans” identity.
“It is so interesting to me, for a movement that is always quick to talk about gun restrictions, that they have not been able to address this issue with moral clarity,” he said, according to BizPac Review.
He clarified that his comments were aimed at those diagnosed with gender dysphoria, not individuals who simply dress or socially identify differently.
“If you are someone that just wants to wear a dress, no problem. If you are someone that just wants to identify as another sex, but you know that deep down you’re not, but you just want to be called he or she, that is one thing,” Jones explained.
He added, “If you, from a psychological standpoint, think that you are another sex, you should not have a gun. Something that has been diagnosed as gender dysphoria is a problem, and all of us know it. We all have to fill out the federal gun form that talks about mental [health]—you should have to check that box.”
Jones attributed the lack of specific policy action to political caution.
“It is because [of] the politics surrounding the issue of not wanting to be offensive, we are not doing the right thing on this,” he said.
His remarks followed the tragic high school hockey shooting in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, which left three people dead, including the suspect, as Resist the Mainstream reported yesterday.
Authorities identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed the information during a press briefing.
“We have identified the person, the suspect, by a birth name. The birth name was Robert Dorgan,” she said. “We have also learned that the person goes by the name of Roberta and also uses the last name of Esposito.”
As the Fox clip circulated online, reactions on social media platform X were sharply divided.
Some users rejected Jones’ position, arguing that targeting “trans” individuals is discriminatory.
“Transphobia is a mental disorder,” one user wrote. Another asked, “What about the non-trans mass shooters who are mostly white?” while a third described the proposal as “pure insanity.”
Others supported Jones’ call for stricter firearm oversight.
“Make sure that those who are transgender or transitioning also are listed as ‘no firearm ownership,’” another stated. “I believe in the 2nd Amendment, but keeping firearms out of their hands is critical.”
Another added, “If you are mentally ill, you cannot legally own a gun. The ball gets dropped again.”
Some commentators cautioned that broadening restrictions could have unintended effects.
“I agree, but the red flag laws are a slippery slope,” one user warned. “Politicians will not stop at transgender individuals. They will go after anyone, including veterans taking medication for legitimate reasons.”
The debate highlights ongoing tensions over federal firearm eligibility, mental health considerations, and whether “trans” individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria should be included in disqualifying categories.
Jones’ remarks underscore a conservative concern for public safety, legal clarity, and responsible gun ownership policy—issues likely to remain central in legislative and cultural discussions in the months ahead.
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