Thread: Protesting Confiscation Events

Originally Posted by Sasquatch

Can you show me where it is written in law, this privilege you speak of @ebf?

Sasquatch / ebf the debate about whether obtaining a firearms license in New Zealand is a right or a privilege to me pivots on interpretation of the Arms Act clause below.

24. Issue of firearms licence
(1). Subject to subsection (2), a firearms licence shall be issued if the member of the Police to whom the application is made is satisfied that the applicant—
(a). is of or over the age of 16 years; and
(b) is a fit and proper person to be in possession of a firearm or airgun.

I have always contended that it is a privilege to have a firearms license in New Zealand but many read the words “shall be issued” and interpret them to imply a right. I can absolutely understand how those that hold this view arrive at that conclusion. I hold my view because the way I interpret the clause is that being issued an FAL is not an inalienable right as it has conditions (in that you must be of a certain age and be fit and proper). This debate will continue forever because to me each individual’s interpretation is subjective.