So many gun grabbers here in the U.S. are wondering why we can’t do the same, all while proclaiming they aren’t for banning most guns, they just want common sense reform
New Zealand passes initial vote for new gun controls
New Zealand lawmakers on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly in favor of new gun restrictions during the first stage of a bill they hope to rush into law by the end of next week.
The bill would ban the types of weapons a gunman used to kill 50 people at two mosques last month.
The bill was backed by both liberals and conservatives, with only a single lawmaker from the 120 that sit in Parliament voting against it. The vote was the first of three that lawmakers must pass before the bill becomes law.
So, what exactly is this gun grabbing bill doing?
(NPR) In addition to banning most semi-automatic firearms, the bill also prohibits the sale, import, supply or possession of pump-action shotguns that can be used with detachable magazines or that hold more than five cartridges. It excludes pistols, as well as some guns — “small-calibre rimfire semi-automatic firearms and lesser-capacity shotguns” — often used by farmers and hunters. The measure also provides exemptions for groups such as “bona fide collectors of firearms” and pest controllers.
The bill provides amnesty covering the surrender of firearms, magazines and parts through Sept. 30. Ardern has said the government will create a buyback scheme to compensate owners of banned firearms, a program that could cost up to 200 million New Zealand dollars (about $137 million).
Have a shotgun that holds more than 5 shells? Banned. You’re now a criminal unless you turn it in. Have a rifle that shoots a caliber higher than a .22, which many, many hunters of bigger game have? Criminal unless you turn your legally purchased property in. Pistols may be excluded, but only if they hold 10 rounds or less. And, really, any gun owner knows that a handgun can do just as much damage in a crowded area as an “assault rifle.” Maybe more.
The bill is set to have its first reading on Tuesday and then head to the Finance and Expenditure Committee, New Zealand newspaper Stuff reports. A second tranche of gun control measures, including a weapons registry, is expected later this year.
The government can take anything if it knows where it is. I wonder how many women will now be dis-empowered now that they are disarmed?
Oh, and the graphic isn’t quite correct, since the non scary rifle would seem to be banned, too.
