Comment on FR Doc # 2026-08932

The ATF proposes a new rule requiring "biological sex at birth" for firearms purchases. This proposed rule creates an untenable conflict with state sovereignty and the Full Faith and Credit Clause. As the ATF and the Federal government should be aware, many states have established legal processes for citizens to amend their birth certificates and driver's licenses. When a state issues a new birth certificate, the previous one is typically sealed. This results in the new document becoming the legal "birth" record. By demanding a "biological sex at birth" that may contradict a citizen’s legally amended birth certificate, the ATF is asking applicants to ignore the legal reality established by their state of residence. This puts FFLs in the position of reconciling conflicts between federal definitions and state-issued legal documents. This rule will result in arbitrary denials for citizens who are complying with their state's laws. Federal forms should reflect the individual's legal status as recognized by the states, rather than imposing a separate, "biological" standard that overrides state-sanctioned legal identities. I would like the ATF to withdraw this proposal to avoid a chaotic and legally inconsistent application of federal law across different states. It serves no valid purpose of providing security and merely demonizes people who have a valid reason for purchasing a firearm from exercising their Constitutionally guaranteed rights.