Regulations on the possession of self-made or self-modified rifles by Aborigines for hunting purposes are to be relaxed if an amendment to the Controlling Guns, Ammunition and Knives Act (槍砲彈藥刀械管制條例), which on Thursday was approved by the Ministry of the Interior, is ratified by the Legislative Yuan.
The amendment proposed relaxing regulations for possessing firearms for all Aborigines, except those who have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to a prison term of three years or more, the ministry said.
The amendment considers that hunting is part of a traditional lifestyle for Aborigines and is an important activity that helps establish and maintain order within communities, as well as strengthens identification, the ministry said.
The amendment also hopes to implement the amendments of Article 10, Item 11 of the Constitution, in which the nation affirmed the concept of multiple cultures, and would actively maintain and develop Aboriginal culture, it said.
It is necessary and appropriate both for social security and for the continuation of Aboriginal culture to uphold legislation that would revoke permits from people who have committed crimes or have been involved in criminal activity, the ministry said.
It said the drafted amendments will be forwarded to the Executive Yuan for further review and if approved, would head to the Legislative Yuan in hopes of being ratified.
Aborigines whose firearms permits have been revoked might be able to reapply for a permit if the amendment is ratified, the ministry said.
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