Overview
- The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and Brisbane Times published reports on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, saying FBI Director Kash Patel removed bestiality as an automatic disqualifier for applicants.
- Senator John Kennedy questioned Patel about the reported decision, using Senate oversight processes to press for answers about the change and its rationale.
- The published articles do not include the full text of any revised FBI policy or a detailed, on-the-record explanation from the FBI about how the rule was changed or when it took effect.
- Major Australian outlets framed the story with the phrase 'bestiality victims,' attracting international attention and prompting debate about how hiring rules are described in the media.
- The reporting raises practical questions about how the FBI defines disqualifying conduct, how background checks weigh past criminal acts or victimization, and whether further congressional review or requests for policy documents will follow.