My Goals
I believe we should amend our laws so that any law-abiding adult is able to purchase semi-automatic firearms and the appropriate ammunition, carry these round with him in public and use them to defend his life and property.
We should introduce a permit system with the purchasing of semi-automatic weapons and the carrying of loaded handguns being legal for everyone over the age of 18, with the exception of those who have been convicted of a violent crime resulting in a prison sentence of 18 months or more.
The police should have no discretion to deny someone a permit (nor should they have the power to revoke a permit) unless a person commits (or has committed) an offence that puts them in the above category.
This won’t prevent criminals carrying weapons, but will allow police to make an arrest if a weapon is discovered during a search. At the same time, an appeals procedure to allow an ex-offender to possess a gun should be introduced.
This could be considered an important step in the rehabilitation of an offender.
Let's take a look at some of the various gun laws that are ineffective and leave you more vulnerable -
Gun Licences
These actually do nothing to reduce crime. Since criminals won't acquire them, gun licenses won't help find the perpetrator of a violent crime. They are simply a gratuitous invasion of your privacy and that of other innocent citizens.
By the very act of applying for a licence, a person is showing that they are willing to obey gun laws; If they show themselves to be law-abiding, it's very unlikely that they'll use a gun to commit a crime.
Waiting Periods For Gun Purchases.
A waiting period means that a woman being stalked or threatened by a violent ex-partner will have to remain defenseless for a few extra days. Will her stalker refrain from assaulting, raping or killing her until the waiting period is over ?
Safety Locks.
Although these might prevent a child from accidentally firing a gun, they also can slow you down when you need a gun in a hurry to defend yourself. Imagine someone being attacked by a burglar in their own home. Will they be grateful for the extra time it takes to unlock their gun?
Gun Registration.
What would this achieve? Nothing positive. Evildoers won't register their guns; only law-abiding citizens will. And once your gun is registered, you'll have to be afraid that some future prime minister whose heart isn't pure will use that registration to confiscate your only means of defence against violent criminals.
Mental health and medical record checks.
People who suffer from mental health problems are generally harmless. People become ill and depressed for a number of reasons such as bereavement, loneliness, unemployment and work-related stress. None of these make someone a potential mass murderer.
Imagine someone who becomes very depressed due to the loss of their partner or child. Is it right that this person be left completely defenceless 'just in case' ?
Who has the right to decide that someone should be disarmed because they have faced difficulties in life ?
Gun Storage Laws (Gun Safes).
If the law requires a gun to be kept in a gun safe, how will the law be enforced? Will the police invade your house periodically to verify that your guns are in safe places ? If not, what's the point of the law? If yes, this is another gratuitous invasion of your privacy.