The parliament of East Timor has resisted the weakening of the country’s gun laws by rejecting a draft law that would authorise civilian licenses for firearms. Under the current law, only police and military forces are permitted to possess firearms.

The proposal provoked heated debate among parliamentarians, as many were opposed to increasing the availability of firearms in the country, which currently has a relatively low level of guns in circulation. Many parliamentarians fear that the new law would have a detrimental effect on the nation’s security after 100,000 people were displaced by militia-led violence in 2006. There were also concerns that the law could be used improperly by arming civilians according to their political affiliations.

The draft law was proposed by the government party headed by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and was rejected in a parliamentary debate on 25 June before being raised again on 30 June. An outcome is being awaited following the current debate.

The opposition party, FRETILIN, is determined to reject the new law to ensure peace and stability in the country. “If we apply this category, then Timor-Leste will potentially be like the 'Wild West', where everyone will be toting guns,” said a party spokesman. “We don't want that kind of society and its clear neither do our people. Like our people, we reject this 'armed to the teeth' approach to living.”