On 13 Sep 2007, Finnish ministers Sirkka-Liisa Anttila and Anne Holmlund sent a plea to their colleagues in Portugal, country of EU presidency, regarding the EU gun control directive. The petitioners urged that no new restrictions be placed on the right of under 18-year olds to acquire and keep firearms. Persons over the age of 15 should still be able to hunt as well as to engage in other shooting sports:
Hunting is a popular hobby with 15- to 18-year old Finns. In areas of sparse habitation and abounding game stock, hunting is a very natural and worthwhile activity that has caused no problems whatsoever.
On 9 Nov 2007, minister Holmlund made a U-turn, suddenly stating that Finland is prepared to raise the age limit for acquiring firearms to 18 years.
As all other EU countries are ready to accept the age limit of 18 years for the acquisition of firearms as proposed in the directive, Finland does not want to oppose the said amendment to the directive under the circumstances.
Everyone knows what those circumstances are. Two days earlier, terrible crimes had been committed at a Finnish school. In no way do I wish to undervalue the anguish and sorrow caused by the bloodshed of 7 Nov 2007.
However, connecting a violent crime with activities of high repute, as minister Holmlund does, is a falsity. The perpetrator obtained his first gun permit as an adult, so the proposed persecution would have done absolutely nothing to prevent the Jokela homicides.
With her knee-jerk, populist reaction, minister Holmlund is consenting to deprive countless Finnish youngsters of an activity that is precisely as worthwhile and problem-free as she herself described it only a few weeks ago. Even more importantly, failure to address the real causes of violent behaviour is something that may, over time, rebound on all of us.
What are your opinions on these issues? Please post your comments!
External links:
- “Holmlund and Anttila issue gun control plea to Portugal” (Ministry of the Interior; in Finnish)
- “Ministry of the Interior Anne Holmlund: Finland prepared to raise the age limit for acquiring firearms to 18” (Ministry of the Interior)
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