New Zealand Parliament votes overwhelmingly in favor of gun regulation bill

New Zealand’s Parliament on Tuesday voted overwhelming in favor of a bill proposed containing new gun regulations, aiming to vote it into law by the end of next week.

The vote occurred one day after the Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Bill was introduced. The bill seeks to amend New Zealand’s Arms Act of 1983 and tighten gun control across the country.

Currently New Zealand divides firearms into different categories. The bill proposes expanding the category of prohibited firearms to include most semi-automatic weapons and shotguns. Common firearms used in recreational activities will remain allowed.

The almost unanimous vote consisted of both conservative and liberal politicians, with only one member, David Seymour, voting against the bill. The swift passage is viewed as a response to last month’s shootings which killed 50 people. The weapons used by the gunman would effectively be banned under the new amendment.

The vote was the first of three that Parliament members must pass before the bill becomes law. Upon passing this first vote, the bill is now referred to the Finance and Expenditure committee for consideration. The committee will report back to Parliament on April 8.

Source: Jurist