Gun control is a contentious issue in many countries around the world. While some governments promote the right to bear arms, others have introduced strict legislation to limit or ban firearms altogether. In this article, we take a closer look at which countries have banned firearms and the reasons behind their decision.
Japan
Japan has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, with the possession of firearms being highly regulated. Only licensed hunters, competitive sport shooters, and security professionals are permitted to own guns. The country has a low crime rate and has historically been resistant to gun ownership due to the memory of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings.
Australia
In 1996, Australia introduced strict gun control laws following a mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania. The new laws included a ban on the ownership of automatic and semi-automatic weapons, a requirement for a license to own a gun, and a mandate for background checks on all applicants. The legislation has been credited with reducing gun violence in the country.
Mexico
Mexico has strict gun control laws in place, with the possession of firearms being highly regulated. Guns are only permitted for use by the military, police, and licensed security professionals. Despite these laws, Mexico has a high rate of gun violence, largely due to the illegal trade of firearms from the United States.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, with the possession of handguns being banned in 1997 following a mass shooting in Dunblane, Scotland. The country also requires a license to own any type of firearm and background checks are conducted on all applicants.
China
China has strict gun control laws in place, with the possession of firearms being highly regulated. Guns are only permitted for use by the military, police, and licensed security professionals. The country has a low rate of gun violence, largely due to the strict legislation in place.
Conclusion
The countries listed above are just a few examples of those that have banned firearms or introduced strict gun control legislation. While the debate over gun control continues, it is clear that many countries believe that the safety of their citizens is best served by limiting access to firearms.