During a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, tensions flared between Senator Josh Hawley and former Biden administration officials over the establishment of a “safe space” for two-spirit individuals in the context of addressing gun violence.
Senator Hawley confronted Gregory Jackson Jr., who formerly served as the deputy director of the Gun Violence Prevention Office in the Biden White House and currently leads the Community Justice Action Fund. Hawley questioned the organization’s approach to supporting two-spirit individuals and how it relates to gun violence prevention.
Hawley remarked, “We advocate for police funding, yet we also talk about embracing two-spirit identities like lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals.” He then pressed Jackson on what “two spirits” means.
Jackson responded somewhat hesitantly, stating, “I don’t have a clear definition.” He attempted to steer the conversation towards investments in interventions and support services. “Looking at the report, it emphasizes outreach and victim services,” he said.
Hawley challenged him further, emphasizing the need for clarity on community programs supporting two-spirit individuals. Jackson admitted a lack of complete understanding regarding the terminology but emphasized a dual focus on reducing violence and supporting marginalized communities.
In a tense exchange, Hawley questioned Jackson’s understanding of his own statements. Jackson fired back, drawing from personal experience, “As someone who has faced violence myself, I would think there would have been more emphasis on reducing such incidents over the years.” Hawley pressed for more definitive answers, suggesting that Jackson’s responses were evasive.
Senator Chuck Grassley, chairing the committee, expressed frustration after the back-and-forth, remarking, “I don’t think we’re getting anywhere here.” Hawley responded, “I think we’ve made some progress, Senator.”
