After the killing spree in Graz: debate about stricter weapons laws flared up!

After the killing spree in Graz: debate about stricter weapons laws flared up!

In Austria, firearms are widespread in the population, with around 370,000 people who have a weapon. In Lower Austria alone there are around 78,000. The current weapons law regulates the possession and use of these weapons, especially for hunting and sport. Firearms are defined as "weapons with which solid bodies (floors) are shot in a determinable direction", and are divided into three categories: forbidden weapons (category a), weapons subject to approval (category B) and long weapons (category C) with around 420,000 approvals in Lower Austria, such as Noen reported.

A official approval is required for the possession and use of each category of firearms. A weapon ownership card can be applied for from the age of 21, whereby there is an exception for professional purposes or hunting, in which the minimum age can be reduced to 18 years. As a rule, you can have two weapons, while in exceptional cases a maximum of ten are allowed. The loss of justification can occur through crimes, mental illnesses or judicial weapons bans. Category C-weapons are not subject to any weapon ownership card, but require registration, although the purchaser must also be over 18 years old.

prerequisites for gun ownership

For the acquisition of a gun ownership card, applicants must be identified as reliable EEA citizens, be at least 21 years old and make a justification for the possession of the weapon credible. This includes, for example, self -defense or sporting use. A psychological report is usually required, except for owners of a valid hunting certificate. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate the proper handling of firearms, for example through corresponding training courses, such as on [Austria.gv.at] (https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/gesetze_recht/waffenrecht/2/ page 2450800.html) is shown in detail.

This strict legal framework should encourage responsibility with weapons and prevent abuse. The historical background of these regulations goes back to the 19th century, with numerous adjustments as a result of political upheavals and EU membership, as Styrian-wirtschaft.at. In addition to different categories of weapons and the corresponding documents that are needed to lead and own, these laws contribute to security in Austria.

Firework Act in international comparison

In international comparison, Austria is considered a country with a comparatively liberal weapons law. The purchase and possession of firearms is easier than in countries like Germany. Gun tickets are required to keep a weapon outside of specific situations such as hunting. These regulations are kept in the discussion, especially in the context of tragic incidents such as the killing spree at a school of Graz, in which the 21-year-old perpetrator had legal weapons from categories B and C. In response to such incidents, the mayor of Graz demands a weapons ban for private individuals to increase security and to tighten the weapons law.