WEAPONS OF CHOICE - Aussies try 'sword control'
Cops say new statute outlawing blades will cut down on street brawls

Posted: June 11, 2004 WorldNetDaily.com
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38896


Gun control in Australia has given way to sword control as police
prepare to enforce a new law meant to curb modern-day swashbuckl-
ing. According to a report in the Melbourne Herald Sun, the new
statute slaps owners of swords who don't have a permit with up to
six months in jail and fines of up to $12,000.

Police Minister Andre Haermeyer told the paper the law will help
cops deal with youngsters who are arming themselves with swords.

"For most people running around the street carrying swords there
is absolutely no reason for them to be carrying those weapons,"
he is quoted as saying. Under the law, set to go into effect next
month, those owning swords now would have to surrender their
weapons to authorities, sell them to a licensed dealer or apply
for specific approval to possess them.

Sword collectors will have to keep the items under lock and key
and have a burglar alarm. According to the report, a 21-year-old
man had his hand severed by a samurai sword in a confrontation
between 40 men last winter, and a 19-year-old was hacked to death
in 2002 by a mob using swords.

The police minister stressed those owning swords for legitimate
reasons can apply for exemptions.

"Legitimate sword owners understand the importance of ensuring
that their swords do not fall into the wrong hands," he told the
Sun. "The vast majority of the community would say, 'Look, there's
no place for people just being able to go out there and buy these
things and carry them around the street.'"

The Victoria government is also looking at bans on some other
weapons, such as crossbows.