Abstract

The Commission of Justice of the Belgian House of Representatives has just voted a series of amendments that soften the new Belgian legislation on weapons with the result of empting it of its substance. The amendments are likely to help to maintain the important number of weapons already in circulation, which is contrary to the primary objective of the law.

Moreover, many amendments will weaken the law whereas they were not even required by the lobby of arms. The main guideline that prevails during the drafting of these bills was to favour the interests of arms holders instead of those of citizens, dwelling on the idea that weapons are ordinary goods. The attention of Parliamentarians who will vote in plenary in the Belgian House and Senate must be drawn on the scope of these amendments that can affect public safety. Similarly, the media should make all they can to inform the general public about the consequences of these amendments if they are voted.