Washington semi-automatic rifles were prohibited to sell to persons under the age of 21

Another law to tighten access to firearms, went into effect in the territory of Washington.

Now semi-automatic rifles can only be purchased by persons over 21 years of age. Opponents of such innovations has already filed a lawsuit against the local government, demanding to cancel the ban.

Tougher laws against trafficking of firearms supported by 59% of voters. According to them, this will reduce the number of crimes related to the mass shooting. In addition to raising the age limit for obtaining permission to purchase semi-automatic rifles, it was made a number of other rules. They will take effect from 1 July 2019.

In particular, in order to obtain a long-barreled gun, its future owner will have to undergo checks by the Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI).

By words a press-the Secretary of the Washington Alliance for gun responsibility (WAGR) Kristen Ellingboe, the new changes are a comprehensive response to the increasing incidence of mass shootings. They need to stabilize the situation and allow law enforcement agencies to strengthen control over trafficking of firearms.

«We’ve seen what an assault rifle is the weapon of choice for mass shootings, and when they are used, a lot of people killed and injured,» said Ellingboe.

At the same time, representatives of the National rifle Association (National Rifle Association — NRA) argue that the measures violate the 2nd and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Opponents of the new rules has already been filed in court. As plaintiffs were: Foundation of the second amendment, two young men 19 and 20 years, the NRA and arms dealers.

Attorney General of Washington, Bob Ferguson stated that it looked forward to the start of the trial, where residents of the state will be resisted by the lobbyists from the National rifle Association of the United States.

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