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Parliamentarians Vote to Tighten Gun Law

Parliament overwhelmingly approved amendments to the Firearms Act on Wednesday. The new law requires physicians to inform authorities of individuals they consider unfit to own guns. It also increases the age for handgun ownership from 18 to 20.

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Image: YLE

Individuals applying for gun licences will also be required to undergo an aptitude test.

Last week, MPs had approved the content of the bill. On Wednesday, MPs voted 158 to 17 in favour of the changes. A total of 24 parliamentarians were absent from the vote. All members of the True Finns and Christian Democrat parties, as well as five MPs from the Left Alliance and one Social Democrat parliamentarian voted against the bill.

Finnish lawmakers have been working to tighten the country’s gun laws following two school shootings and a mass shooting at a shopping centre in recent years.

Sources: YLE