New Zealand bans semi-automatic weapons weeks after massacre

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Less than a month after 50 Muslim worshippers in the city of Christchurch were fatally shot in terrorist attacks on two mosques, New Zealand passed a law banning most semi-automatic weapons on Wednesday — a measure supported by all but one of Parliament’s 120 lawmakers.

The passage of the bill means temporary restrictions imposed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern six days after the massacre, to prevent New Zealanders from stockpiling guns before the law went into effect, will now be permanent.

“New Zealand stands apart in its widespread availability of weapons of such destructive nature and force,” Ardern told Parliament on Wednesday. “Today that anomaly ends.”

The law outlaws military-style semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles, and violators face five years in prison. Some semi-automatic guns will still be allowed, including .22-caliber rifles with magazines holding less than 10 rounds, and shotguns with internal magazines that hold no more than five rounds.