Gun Law to Be Passed in September
The gun law was introduced in the Interior Committee on Thursday, which decided on a two-week review. After that, the National Council is to decide in September, followed by the Federal Council in October. The law will enable the weapons authority to be informed about psychological problems and extends the cooling-off period for gun purchases from three days to four weeks. In addition, weapons can only be purchased from registered dealers, no longer from private individuals.
FPÖ Against Tightening of Gun Law
The FPÖ made it clear on Thursday that they do not intend to approve the proposal. Security spokesman Gernot Darmann wrote in a statement about a "disproportionate interference with the freedom and civil rights of Austrians." He also recognized a "purely situational legislation."
This is not really disputed by the coalition. Karner recalled the rampage at a school in Graz before the summer, which was "a tragic milestone" in Austria's history. For society and politics, it was clear that one could not simply return to business as usual. State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) referred to the calls from the affected school's youth to the politicians to do something. This is now being done by strengthening the safety of people in the country with a preventive measure. It is a fundamental task of the liberal state to ensure both internal and external security, added NEOS Secretary General Douglas Hoyos.
He was positively inclined by statements from the Greens, saying the proposal was significantly better than the original ministerial presentation. He regretted that the FPÖ remains with their no, as did Leichtfried, who spoke of a "great irresponsibility" of the Freedom Party. However, Green MP Agnes Prammer also criticized that the coalition had stopped halfway. While more psychological assessments are being demanded, they are not required to be presented regularly. A single assessment is merely a "snapshot." Furthermore, a large group of gun-owning individuals, the hunters, are exempt from the assessments.
Suitability Tests Still Need Regulation
The coalition representatives were confident that the further development of psychological suitability tests would have positive effects. However, this still requires a regulation from the Ministry of the Interior, as Karner announced. The tests also apply retroactively. For all initial applications for category B weapons (handguns like revolvers) from June this year, a corresponding suitability test must be conducted. For category C (rifles), the retroactivity even applies for two years. Also new is an easier confiscation of weapons in cases of domestic violence or violations of the prohibition law. This becomes mandatory upon conviction but can also be ordered at the start of the public prosecutor's investigations.
The minimum age for acquisition was changed in two cases, to 25 years for handguns and 21 years for long guns. Hunters and sport shooters are exempt. Hoyos emphasized that the amendment creates more security on one hand, but also does not unnecessarily restrict those who must handle weapons responsibly.
Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) welcomed "a significant tightening of gun laws." She particularly pointed to the area of violence protection in the social environment. "Studies on femicides show: In every fourth murder, the perpetrator shot the victim. With the draft presented today, we are taking decisive steps to better protect women and children from violence. Because as soon as public prosecutor investigations into violence in the social environment are underway or a restraining order is issued, a provisional gun ban should be imposed. This is a clear step towards more safety for those affected by domestic or sexualized violence," said Sporrer.
(APA/Red)
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