OPINION: New Zealand gun laws have been tightened quickly in the wake of the Christchurch tragedy. Public acceptance also appears to be broad, even groups typically opposed to stricter gun laws have, for the most part, been agreeable or muted in their dissent. The law’s efficacy, or lack thereof, will in large measure be decided by how many gun owners participate. The government has promised “next steps” in gun reform and, as in Australia following the mass shooting at Port Arthur in 1996, that is likely to take the form of a gun registry. It had turned into a billion dollar debacle that pitted urban voters against rural and achieved only limited participation from gun owners.

Source: Stuff April 03, 2019 02:26 UTC