Muslim communities in New Zealand voice concern on government relaxing gun law

Muslim communities in New Zealand are expressing alarm over potential changes to firearm regulations as the government revises the Arms Act, Anadolu Agency reported. Minister Nicole McKee, who previously criticized reforms following the 2019 mosque attacks, has hinted at relaxing access to the weapons used in the massacre, according to Radio New Zealand.

In March 2019, a white supremacist killed 51 Muslims and injured many others at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre, leading to a near-total ban on semi-automatic firearms. The current government is now in the process of rewriting the Arms Act, but specific proposals remain unclear.

Rosemary Omar, who lost her son in the attack, criticized McKee’s stance, suggesting she has an agenda regarding firearms. Other community leaders have also questioned McKee’s impartiality, warning that easing restrictions could pave the way for future violence. The government has yet to release a report on initial submissions regarding the proposed changes.