Stormy discussion in the Sejm about access to weapons. “Nobody wants to take away hunters' rights”

On Friday, the KO and Polska 2050 clubs supported the further work on the draft amendments to the Weapons Act, introducing mandatory medical and psychological examinations for holders of firearms permits for hunting, sporting and training purposes. The PiS, Konfederacja and PSL clubs are critical of the project.

The debate between MPs took place as part of the first reading of the draft amendment to the Act on Weapons and Ammunition, which was prepared by the MPs of Poland 2050.

Tests every 5 years, and more often for seniors

The project envisages imposing on persons up to 70 years of age who have permits to carry weapons for hunting, sporting and training purposes the obligation to undergo periodic medical and psychological examinations every five years to confirm that they meet the health criteria related to possessing weapons. The project also envisages increasing the frequency of these tests for people over 70 years of age, introducing the principle of repeating them every two years.

The government has not presented an official opinion on the Poland 2050 proposal, but the Ministry of Interior and Administration, which is the ministry responsible for the project – as announced by Deputy Minister Czesław Mroczek – will undertake a detailed analysis of it after the Sejm directs it for further work. The chamber is to make a decision on this matter at the next meeting.

“Illogical differences” and the issue of safety

– This is a project concerning the fundamental issue of public safety, protection of citizens' lives and health, as well as the responsible use of firearms by civilians – emphasized MP Ewa Szymanowska from Poland 2050, who persuaded the clubs to change the regulations. As she said, the idea is to introduce the obligation to renew medical and psychological examinations for all gun owners for personal protection, protection of persons and property, hunting, sports and training.

The MP also recalled that at the beginning of this year a similar project was already submitted by Poland 2050, but then there were allegations that the proposed regulations only apply to hunters. – That they are too one-sided and that they should cover a wider group of gun users – Szymanowska noted.

– That's why we went wider. Today's project covers those who use weapons regularly and in ways that carry potential risks. People who have weapons for personal defense, people who have weapons to protect people named after hunters, athletes and trainers – she added.

Getting to the point of the amendment, Szymanowska appealed for stricter rules regarding the possession of weapons by civilians.

– Weapons in the hands of civilians are tools that require the highest safety standards. Currently, these standards are not met. Some users must renew their tests every five years. Others, despite using weapons more often, do not have to renew them at all. These differences are illogical, irrational and unjustified, she argued.

The Polish 2050 MP also gave examples of tragic accidents involving hunters, athletes and people with weapons for personal protection, which – in her opinion – show the real scale of the threats. She added that the project is consistent with the EU directive and does not take away the right to weapons, but is intended to ensure greater public safety and protection of life.

Opposition and PSL against: “It will not improve safety”

A critical position towards the project was presented by the PiS and Konfederacja clubs, whose MPs announced they would vote to reject the project. In their opinion, the proposed psychological and medical tests have no justification and will not improve safety.

The PSL club also spoke out against the project, pointing out, among others, point out that most accidents involving firearms are due to procedural errors and lack of skill, not health. PSL MP Urszula Pasławska also pointed out that the project does not cover all gun users. – It covers about 240 thousand, and in Poland there are almost 850 thousand. weapon users. You choose your own social groups, she noted.

The KO club was in favor of further work on the project, according to which the amendment would make all gun owners equal before the law, because currently some have to renew tests, and some do not. – Nobody wants to take away the rights of hunters, I am one myself, nobody wants to take away the rights of athletes or others. But we want society to be peaceful. And society has long agreed that if hunters get checked every few years, it will be more peaceful – said KO MP Artur Jarosław Łącki.

During the first reading, the Left Club did not present a position on the project.

Pressure from the European Commission and the position of the Ministry of Interior and Administration

At the end of the discussion, the deputy head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration reminded that the obligation to periodic medical and psychological examinations already exists – but only for people who have weapons for personal protection or protection of people and property. He also informed that Poland is currently in formal proceedings conducted by the European Commission for improper transposition of the arms control directive, which is important for the project in question. – Therefore, the government is currently developing a position and I assume that in the next few weeks (…) the Polish position regarding the European Commission's allegations will be formulated – he added. (PAP)

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