Australia tightens gun laws after massacre and launches gun buyback program

Australia is tightening gun control laws after the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed in December.

The new bill, which has already passed the House of Representatives, introduces a nationwide gun buyback program and stricter screening of applicants for gun licenses. It also limits the number of guns per person and shortens the validity of permits.

The laws are a response to alarming figures – there are currently a record 4.1 million firearms in the country.

However, the conservative opposition criticizes the reforms as disrespectful to legal gun owners and accuses the government of ignoring anti-Semitism.

Parliament is also debating a special law against hate speech. Although they were originally supposed to be part of a single package, these measures were separated due to pressure. However, the government plans to push them through even without the support of the conservatives.

(reuters, pir)