Oppose the review/amendment of the Semi-Automatic Weapon ban in New Zealand
Oppose the review/amendment of the Semi-Automatic Weapon ban in New Zealand
The Issue
As a concerned citizen deeply invested in public safety, I am alarmed by the proposed review to New Zealand's gun laws that could reintroduce semi-automatic weapons to private citizens. The cost to our communities, particularly those already marginalised, far outweighs any perceived benefits. A review of 130 scientific studies across nations identified a direct correlation between relaxing gun laws and an increase in gun violence (RNZ, 2024). We cannot afford a repeat of the Christchurch mosque attacks, a tragedy that still haunts our nation.
New Zealand has been applauded globally for its swift action on gun control following this horrific event. Our current laws reflect an understanding that public safety must be prioritised over individual desires for such weaponry. National preaches tough on crime slogans, exemplifying our gun violence statistics as Aotearoa being “off track,” yet is willing to review the ban on semi automatic firearms. Increasing access to dangerous weaponry is what is “off track.”
The proposed changes threaten to undo the progress and standard we have set as a Nation, stead fast against mass shootings and hate crimes. Let's not forget that semi-automatic weapons are designed for rapid fire and maximum damage - they have no place in civilian hands even for competitive shooting. We do not need to imagine these horrific events, they are not hypothetical potentials, it’s our countries lived experienced. International history demonstrates given the opportunity, mass shooting can and will be repeated. I ask you, what future do you want? One where kids have mass shooter drills along side fire, like our American counter parts? Or follow Australia’s example, maintain our ban, maintain barriers to mass shootings.
We urge our lawmakers not only to consider the potential human cost but also remember our commitment as a nation towards peace, safety and honouring the lives already lost by maintaining our current restrictions on semi automatic firearms. Please join me in opposing these changes - sign this petition today!
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The Issue
As a concerned citizen deeply invested in public safety, I am alarmed by the proposed review to New Zealand's gun laws that could reintroduce semi-automatic weapons to private citizens. The cost to our communities, particularly those already marginalised, far outweighs any perceived benefits. A review of 130 scientific studies across nations identified a direct correlation between relaxing gun laws and an increase in gun violence (RNZ, 2024). We cannot afford a repeat of the Christchurch mosque attacks, a tragedy that still haunts our nation.
New Zealand has been applauded globally for its swift action on gun control following this horrific event. Our current laws reflect an understanding that public safety must be prioritised over individual desires for such weaponry. National preaches tough on crime slogans, exemplifying our gun violence statistics as Aotearoa being “off track,” yet is willing to review the ban on semi automatic firearms. Increasing access to dangerous weaponry is what is “off track.”
The proposed changes threaten to undo the progress and standard we have set as a Nation, stead fast against mass shootings and hate crimes. Let's not forget that semi-automatic weapons are designed for rapid fire and maximum damage - they have no place in civilian hands even for competitive shooting. We do not need to imagine these horrific events, they are not hypothetical potentials, it’s our countries lived experienced. International history demonstrates given the opportunity, mass shooting can and will be repeated. I ask you, what future do you want? One where kids have mass shooter drills along side fire, like our American counter parts? Or follow Australia’s example, maintain our ban, maintain barriers to mass shootings.
We urge our lawmakers not only to consider the potential human cost but also remember our commitment as a nation towards peace, safety and honouring the lives already lost by maintaining our current restrictions on semi automatic firearms. Please join me in opposing these changes - sign this petition today!
50
The Decision Makers
Petition created on February 28, 2024