Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has taken a significant step in reversing his predecessor’s pro-firearms policies. Lula signed a decree on Friday that tightens restrictions on civilian access to guns in Brazil. Under the new regulations, civilians are limited to possessing only two guns for personal safety, compared to the previous allowance of four. Additionally, the amount of ammunition allowed for each gun has been reduced from 200 rounds to 50. Those who wish to hold firearms must now provide documentation proving their need for the weapons. Furthermore, civilians are now barred from owning 9mm pistols, with this type of firearm restricted solely to the police and military.
During his presidency, Jair Bolsonaro had advocated for the right of “good citizens” to protect themselves and their assets, leading to a loosening of gun and ammunition possession rules. However, Lula has expressed his concern over an abundance of firearms in civilian hands, stating that while it’s acceptable for regular citizens to have a gun for protection, it’s crucial to prevent the proliferation of gun arsenals among the general population.
Despite Brazil not having a constitutional right to bear arms, the number of guns in civilian possession tripled to 2.9 million during Bolsonaro’s term, according to the non-profit organization Instituto Sou da Paz. However, Brazil’s homicide rate remained stable during that period, with the number of homicides in 2022 being similar to the 2019 rate, as reported by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety.
The Igarape Institute, in collaboration with Sou da Paz, praised the new restrictions, considering them a step towards responsible firearm control and enhanced legal security in the country. To enforce these new rules, Lula’s government is urging citizens to sell any firearms that are prohibited under the new regulations before the year’s end, as failing to do so may result in confiscation by the Federal Police.
In addition to the restrictions on civilians’ access to firearms, the decree solidifies the Federal Police’s role as the official authority overseeing guns, sidelining the military, which previously held this responsibility. Lula’s left-wing government has questioned the reliability of the armed forces in this role due to their perceived support for Bolsonaro.
Under the new policy, shooting ranges, which experienced an increase in number and lacked regulation during Bolsonaro’s tenure, are subject to new restrictions. They are now only permitted to operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and must be at least 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) away from schools. Additionally, the duration of a gun permit has been revised, with permits now valid for three to five years, depending on the holder, compared to the previous 10-year validity period under Bolsonaro.
Overall, Lula’s decree signifies a shift in Brazil’s firearms policy, with a focus on reducing civilian access to guns and strengthening regulations to ensure responsible gun ownership. By implementing these measures, the government aims to promote public safety and decrease the potential for gun violence in the country.
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