WASHINGTON, D.C. — The fallout continues on a U.S. Department of Justice subpoena targeting Eagle Forum of Alabama in a lawsuit against the state of Alabama for its Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act (VCAP).

The law prohibits the practice of prescribing children hormones and puberty blockers and bans sex change surgeries, including mastectomies and castrations on children.

It was passed by the legislature earlier this year and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) said the Justice Department's move was born out of politics, which he said was to cause fear of government.

During an interview with FM Talk 106.5 on Thursday, Carl, who signed a letter earlier this week questioning the DOJ's motivations, cautioned against those calling for the dismantling of the department's agencies, including the FBI.

However, he argued the DOJ was wrong in its actions.

"[T]hese organizations, especially when you talk about religious freedom, and you talk about the rights the DOJ seems to not pay any attention to anymore, they're just targeting whatever they want to for political reasons and going after – I'm not one of those who thinks we need to fire every FBI agent, start over,” Carl said. “I think we need to look at some upper management, change the management because we - I'm talking about my district - e need the FBI. Our local policemen need them for intel.

"We need them for a lot of things. So, we do not need to get rid of them. But when you have DOJ that can target groups in your state for political reasons, and we think this is political reasons, that's wrong. We do not need to fear the government. The government works for us. And we've got to where we fear the government, especially under this administration – it's just got to be feared. It's just push and shove, push and shove."

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.

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