Does A New Law Governing Personal Gun Ownership Provide A Safer Society In Hungary?

July 6, 2011
Written by Cindy Ferraino in
"Sticky Wicket" Questions
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Peter Szijjarto, spokesperson for the Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Dear Sticky Wicket,


In Hungary, the personal ownership of non-hunting guns is nearly unheard of but is this factor indicative of less crime and a safer society? Do Hungarians believe that not owning guns prevents higher instances of crime? If so, what is the basis of this belief?


~Gun Rights Advocate in Texas


Dear Gun Rights Advocate,


A recent government law punishes anyone using an unregistered gun, including those individuals who seek gun ownership for personal protection.


“On April 15, 2011, parliament prepared to pass a new fundamental law of which every Hungarian can be proud of,” Peter Szijjarto, spokesperson for the Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said in a statement.


The push for a stronger enforcement of the Hungarian gun policy is in response to a shooting at a school last November. The assailant used a legally registered gun. This law supplements the Act XXIV 2004, which allows “gun permits that would reduce, as much as possible, the number of guns capable of taking lives in the possession of citizens.”


Despite the fact that the gun was registered, the pure act of violence against others put pressure on the government to try to reign in and possibly control future attacks with personal weapons.


While some believe this new law will help reduce the amount of violent crimes committed with deadly force weapons, other groups are opposed to this new law.


Two groups opposing the main government, the Socialists, and the Green politic party did not want to approve the creation of the new law.


“It has nothing to do with the whole of Hungarian society and it shows no intent of striving for a wide consensus,” said Szabolcs Kerek-Barczy, a political commentary writer.


altAmnesty International imparted an opinion about the introduction of the new law, saying that it believes the policy is “especially disconcerting” because a crime committed with a hand gun and another vicious crime receive the same judicial treatment.


The Non-Lethal Weapons Rights Group (NEHA) did not support the new law. The group reports that with over 50,000 guns used for personal self-defense, not the allowable sporting use, will make it difficult to get individuals to register their guns legally.


For sporting use, the owners of the guns must have a special license-Sports Shooter Class IV. Although this is an approved use, the government could deny a permit if there is a suspicion the gun owner might use it for a different purpose.


Sources:
www.davekopel.com/2A/Foreign/Hungarian-Weapons-Law.htm
www.deseretnews.com
 

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