The new law will take effect on Friday.
Just 26 days after the worst mass killing in New Zealand’s history, the country’s parliament has almost unanimously passed legislation meaning tough restrictions on the possession of firearms.
The leader of the center-right party ACT, David Seymour, was the only lawmaker to oppose the Arms Amendment Bill, which passed after its third reading.
The amendment bans military-style semi-automatic weapons (MSSAs) and parts that can be used to assemble prohibited firearms. However, there are exemptions for pest control, collectors, heirlooms and mementos.
A policewoman stands guard outside the Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 21,2019, one of the scenes of the country’s worst ever terrorist attack. The parliament has passed a gun law reform banning the use of military-style semi-automatics (MSSAs) Sanka Vidanagama/NurPhoto via Getty Images Possession of prohibited firearms could now mean a jail term of up to five years.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told lawmakers on Wednesday that they formed “an almost entirely united Parliament.
