2A 2nd Amendment: Why It Is The Most Important Of All [Series: Part 1]
05/03/2024 SERIES: Don't Tread On Me | FEN Free Eagle Network®
2A 2nd Amendment: Why It Is The Most Important Of All [Series: Part 1]
05/03/2024 SERIES: Don't Tread On Me | FEN Free Eagle Network®
Part 1 is the examination of selected Nation’s Firearms Laws.
The most attacked, The most revered amendment of our Constitutional Bill of Rights. The United States of America stands out above all other 270 sovereign nation-states in the world. As to side A of the coin; other constitutions have a sorted array of Right inscribed within their laws and others give lip-service to such a Right while using such language as ‘Not withstanding’ clause (re: Canadian Constitution) really doesn’t allow for permeant Rights. Switzerland is another one of these really goofy nations that has weird laws. Australia & Great Britain are another nation that there is no direct in-hand possession around the clock. Those are examples of more moderate middle ground examples.
The other side to this coin are nations with tyrannical dictators that have long since confiscated in issued disarmament orders. The nations like China and North Korea, non-military and non-law enforcement are strictly prohibited in possessing a firearm. These two nations are under a sudo form of communism.
Middle Eastern-Persian Laws:
In Iran, firearm possession is so strictly limited and the means by which a person gains such Right is very stringent even American Democrats that are for gun control would love those laws. Saudi Arabia is almost to the letter exactly like Iran in their laws as Iran. Those that don’t gain such Rights in both are very vulnerable to be arrested for any such fictitious crimes under Sharia Law. Note: There is no Permit-less Carry in these nations. *To obtain a firearm license, one must undergo background checks, a psychological examination, and complete a firearm safety course. The process is designed to ensure that only individuals deemed responsible and stable are allowed to own firearms. The general public's interest in firearms in Saudi Arabia is relatively low compared to some other countries.
In Russia the same type of restrictions as Iran and Saudi Arabia limit who gains such Rights. Handguns are generally not allowed, but there is a growing popularity of practical shooting events and competitions, which has led to the legal ownership of handguns for sport and competitive shooting, provided the owner is 21 years of age or older, a legal Russian citizen, and possesses a valid firearms permit. Rifles and shotguns with barrels less than 50mm (20 in) long are prohibited, as are firearms which shoot in bursts or have more than a 10-round capacity. An individual cannot possess more than ten guns unless they are part of a registered gun collection. In response to a deadly school shooting in May 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill tightening gun controls, raising the minimum age for buying hunting rifles and long-barreled guns from 18 to 21. Now, anyone convicted or under investigation for the consumption of drugs can be denied a gun license.
In Brazil, gun rights have been a topic of significant debate and change over the years. Under President Jair Bolsonaro, gun ownership saw a considerable expansion, with more than a dozen decrees in favor of Brazilians' right to bear arms. This included allowing civilians to purchase assault rifles and doubling the duration of gun licenses to 10 years. As a result, gun ownership in Brazil skyrocketed, with private ownership tripling to nearly 3 million over the past four years. The Bolsonaro era also saw the opening of about 2,000 new clubs for recreational shooting, with names like “The Bullets” and “American Shooting Club.” However, following the election of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a reversal of these pro-gun policies has been initiated. Lula has taken steps to restrict civilian access to guns, reducing the number of guns a civilian can possess for personal safety from four to two and reducing the allowed ammunition for each gun from 200 rounds to 50. He also introduced new rules requiring documentation to prove the need to hold weapons. This move aims to shift Brazil away from the pro-firearms policies of the previous administration.
Lets go to some of the European Nations for a bit.
In Great Britain, the right to bear arms is heavily regulated and subject to strict legal frameworks. To obtain a firearm license, one must undergo background checks, a psychological evaluation, and complete a firearm safety course. This process is designed to ensure that only individuals deemed responsible and stable are allowed to own firearms. The general public's interest in firearms in Great Britain is relatively low compared to some other countries. Handguns are generally not allowed, but there is a growing popularity of practical shooting events and competitions, which has led to the legal ownership of handguns for sport and competitive shooting, provided the owner is 21 years of age or older, a legal British citizen, and possesses a valid firearms permit. Firearms and ammunition in Great Britain are regulated mainly by the Firearms Act 1968. The possession of firearms and ammunition in Great Britain is regulated mainly by the Firearms Act 1968. Guidance. You should read the Home Office guide on firearms licensing law alongside the... The UK’s strict gun laws have been tightened further to protect the public, with additional safety checks introduced for those applying for a license. The current licensing procedure involves a number of steps including the positive verification of identity; two referees of verifiable good character who have known the applicant for at least two years (and who may themselves be interviewed and/or investigated as part of the certification); the approval of the application by the applicant’s own doctor; an inspection of the premises and cabinet where firearms will be kept; and finally a face-to-face interview by a Firearms Enquiry Officer. It's also important to note that the use of firearms by police has been a topic of concern, with discussions around easing laws to give more freedom to police for using firearms. This has raised concerns about potential misuse, especially during protests. Given these factors, while there are legal provisions for gun ownership in Great Britain, they are heavily regulated and the culture around firearms is not as ingrained as in some other countries.
In Germany their laws are almost like that of Great Britain. The general public's interest in firearms in Germany is relatively low compared to some other countries. However, there are strict regulations on the types of firearms and ammunition permissible for hunting, with restrictions on certain calibers and types of weapons.
In Germany, the carrying of firearms in public spaces is also subject to stringent regulations, reflecting the country’s commitment to public safety and order. It's also important to note that the use of firearms by police has been a topic of concern, with discussions around easing laws to give more freedom to police for using firearms. This has raised concerns about potential misuse, especially during protests. Given these factors, while there are legal provisions for gun ownership in Germany, they are heavily regulated and the culture around firearms is not as ingrained as in some other countries.
Asian Nations Firearms Rights:
In Asian countries, gun laws and rights vary significantly, reflecting a diverse range of cultural, political, and historical contexts.
Japan, for example, has one of the world's most restrictive gun control systems, with strict licensing requirements and a ban on most firearms. In China, gun ownership is heavily regulated and restricted to very limited circumstances, such as for hunting or sport shooting, with stringent background checks and licensing procedures.
South Korea has strict gun laws as well, with a ban on private ownership of most types of firearms. Gun owners must obtain a license, undergo a background check, and complete a safety course.
In contrast, the Philippines has a constitutional provision that allows citizens the right to bear arms, but this is subject to strict regulations and requirements for obtaining a license.
Thailand is known for having some of the highest rates of gun ownership in Asia, despite having strict gun laws. This is partly due to a history of conflict and a significant black market for firearms.
In India, gun laws are also strict, with licenses required for ownership and strict regulations on the types of firearms that can be owned.
These examples illustrate the wide range of gun laws and rights across Asian nations, reflecting different approaches to balancing individual rights with public safety and security concerns.
Down there in the Down Under: Australia
In Australia, gun rights are heavily regulated and subject to strict legal frameworks, reflecting a history of legislative responses to gun violence. Following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, Australia implemented sweeping gun control reforms under the National Firearms Agreement (NFA), which banned rapid-fire long guns, including those already privately owned, and introduced strict punishments for possession of such weapons. This move led to a buyback program that saw the government purchasing and destroying more than 650,000 firearms.
These reforms have had a significant impact on gun ownership and gun-related violence in the country. Notably, there have been zero mass shootings in the 20 years since the NFA was enacted, and the rate of gun deaths dropped rapidly after 1996. While the direct correlation between these reforms and the decline in gun-related deaths cannot be definitively proven due to other factors influencing overall homicide rates, the reforms are widely credited with contributing to a safer society. Gun ownership in Australia requires a license, which entails background checks, a psychological evaluation, and completion of a firearm safety course. The general public's interest in firearms in Australia is relatively low compared to some other countries.
The Australian approach to gun control is often contrasted with that of the United States, where gun rights are constitutionally protected under the Second Amendment. Australia's reforms, in contrast, reflect a societal and political consensus that prioritizes public safety over individual gun rights, resulting in a significant reduction in gun-related violence.
In Israel: The Promise Land
In Israel, gun rights and regulations have seen significant shifts in recent years, influenced by security concerns and government policies. Historically, Israel has had strict gun control laws, with private gun ownership tightly regulated and limited to specific groups such as veterans and those in high-risk professions. However, following a surge in violence and terror attacks, the government has taken steps to loosen these restrictions.
Under the current regulations, Israeli citizens must meet several criteria to obtain a firearm license. These include being at least 20 years old, having completed mandatory military service or national service, and passing background checks that assess mental and physical health, as well as criminal records. The government has also increased the number of firearms licenses issued, aiming to arm more civilians as a measure against potential terror threats. Despite these changes, the overall rate of gun ownership in Israel remains relatively low compared to some other countries. As of the information available, around 2% of the Israeli population holds a gun license. Additionally, gun owners are typically allowed to possess one pistol and a limited amount of ammunition.
The government's approach to gun rights in Israel is a delicate balance between addressing security concerns and maintaining public safety. While there has been a push to allow more civilians to own firearms in response to security threats, there is also ongoing debate about the potential risks and benefits of increased gun ownership.
As of the latest updates, discussions and developments around gun rights in Israel continue to evolve, reflecting the country's unique security challenges and political climate.
Canada: The loft apartment above America.
In Canada, gun rights and regulations have been a significant topic of discussion and reform, reflecting the country's unique approach to balancing public safety and individual rights. Unlike the United States, Canada does not recognize the right to bear arms as a constitutional right. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1993 that owning firearms is not a right but a privilege, emphasizing the government's authority to regulate firearms for public safety reasons.
To own firearms in Canada, individuals must obtain a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) by fulfilling specific requirements, including passing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and undergoing background checks. The license must be renewed every five years. For certain types of firearms, such as handguns and those deemed restricted or prohibited, additional steps are necessary, including registering the firearms and obtaining a separate permit. The Canadian government has introduced several legislative measures in recent years to strengthen gun control. Bill C-21, which became law in December 2023, introduced a series of measures aimed at reducing gun violence. These include measures to crack down on homemade "ghost guns," increase penalties for illegal smuggling and trafficking of firearms, and give municipalities the right to ban handguns through bylaws. Additionally, Bill C-21 expanded background checks to cover the lifetime of an applicant and re-instated a requirement to apply for an Authorization to Transport to some places.
In May 2020, the government of Canada also prohibited over 1,500 models of assault-style firearms and certain components, citing their use in some of the country's worst tragedies. This move was part of a comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and enhance public safety. It's worth noting that while Canada has stricter gun control laws compared to the United States, it still allows for the legal possession and use of firearms for purposes such as hunting, sport shooting, and employment-related needs, provided the individual has the necessary license and follows the regulations.
In summary, while Canada does not have a constitutional right to bear arms like the United States, it allows for the legal possession and use of firearms under strict licensing and regulatory requirements designed to ensure public safety.
Next installment:
Saving the best for last… The United States of America. We will go into after we review the Federal level i.e. the Constitution - Bill of Rights, dealing with the ATF and FBI. Then in Part Three (3) we will deal with the States and how that interchanges State to State which you will be provided with a professional FFL Federal Firearms License Dealer informational PDF so you can see how everything works not only in your individual State but as to traveling to others, and how that effects you as a Firearms Owner and carrier.
Thanks for sticking around.
Check back here in this article for the link to the next part of the series.