Lower House Approves Urgency for Bill Allowing Gun Carrying on Rural Property

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On the evening of Tuesday 20th August 2019, the full Chamber of Deputies approved, by a 331-55 vote, the request for urgent consideration of Senate Bill 3715/19.

This Bill authorizes the carrying of firearms within the limits of any rural property. Today, such possession is limited to the farmhouse, excluding the rest of the property. The debate on the matter should begin on Wednesday, August 21st, 2019.

The vote on the urgency of the bill (PL 3715/19) that authorizes the carrying of a weapon anywhere within the rural property was done by roll call vote since there was no agreement among the party leadership.

A total of 257 favorable votes were required for the proposal to be granted a special procedural regime. The margin of the vote on urgency signals that the bill should pass relatively easily.

Representative Erika Kokay (PT-DF) criticized the urgency, stating that “this proposal means arming the population and replacing the role of the state. The militias will profit from this.”

Deputy Bira do Pindaré (PSB-MA) added that there would be more deaths in the countryside. “More weapons, more deaths,” he said.

Deputy Afonso Hamm (PP-RS), however, said the proposal adjusts the legislation. “People are often isolated on their property, the police authorities do not arrive, we need to offer the minimum [needed] to guarantee the right of self-defense,” he said.