New Zealand votes to ban semi-automatic weapons

(Patria) – The Parliament of New Zealand has voted to ban most semi-automatic weapons, agencies report.

119 out of 200 members of parliament voted for the ban, just under a month after the armed attack on two mosques in the city of Christchurch, during which 50 people lost their lives.

Australian Brenton Tarrant, who is currently on trial, is accused of murdering 50 people.

'New Zealand stands out for the widest availability of weapons of such destructive nature and power,' Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told parliament, adding that 'that anomaly ends today'.

The law will apply to military-style semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles, although some models will still be allowed. All weapons used by the attacker in Christchurch will be banned.

'I cannot understand how such destructive weapons that cause mass loss of life could be legally acquired in this country. I cannot understand that,' said the Prime Minister, explaining her decision to initiate the legislative procedure in parliament, which wholeheartedly supported her.