The decision by Justice Minister Anna Richardson to suspend processing new applications for weapons permits will probably be welcomed by many. Common sense would seem to suggest that – especially in times of socio-economic crisis – the fewer firearms are out there, the better.
Sure, legitimate reasons exist for persons outside of law enforcement to be licensed, but it is also true – not just locally, but around the world – that a fair portion of legally-owned guns end up being used in crimes. Besides, even upstanding citizens might one day lose their heads, and having a weapon at such a time increases the risk of tragedy and a lifetime of regret.
Government wants to establish a new gun policy, something former minister Roland Duncan had already been working on a decade ago. Plans back then included requirements for safe storage, maintenance and training including periodic shooting practice, but also a background check and possible psychological evaluation. It is not known to what extent these things were implemented since.
For now, existing licences are automatically prolonged until the envisioned policy is in place but no further than to the end of the year. These extensions are “deemed” to be under the same conditions, indicating there may be significant variations.
Therefore, if the intention is to create a uniform, unambiguous and transparent policy that leaves no room for favouritism and promotes extremely limited yet responsible, accountable, capable and conscious gun ownership, the ministry’s current efforts deserve support.
