Hands off our guns, Swiss enthusiasts tell EU ahead of vote

SUMMARY

Even though Switzerland has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe, polls suggest two out of three voters back controls the European Union embraced in 2017 after militant attacks in Paris and elsewhere. The new European rules make it harder to buy semi-automatic rifles and easier to track weapons in data bases. Non-EU member Switzerland's parliament and government back the regulations, but shooting enthusiasts fear a dangerous trend toward disarming them altogether.

By ReutersMay 15, 2019 10:27:41 AM IST (Updated)

A private FAS 90 (Sig SG 550) rifle affected by the proposed new gun law is pictured ahead of a May 19, 2019 vote on a referendum to tighten weapons ownership laws in line with EU steps during a media briefing at FedPol in Bern. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Weapons not affected by the proposed new gun law are pictured ahead of a May 19, 2019 vote on a referendum to tighten weapons ownership laws in line with EU steps during a media briefing. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

A woman concentrates during the Fribourg County 300m rifle final, ahead of a May 19 vote on a referendum at the shooting range in Romont, Switzerland. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Huzi guns and other weapons are pictured in Arsene Plomb's collection in Boncourt, Switzerland. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

A poster asking people to vote no is pictured during the Fribourg County 300m rifle final at the shooting range in Romont, Switzerland. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Participants take part in the Fribourg County 300m rifle final. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Rifles are pictured during the Fribourg County 300m rifle final. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse