Argentina lowers firearm purchase age to 18 amid rising tensions

In Argentina, a significant policy change has occurred as President Javier Milei signed a decree that lowers the minimum age for purchasing firearms from 21 to 18. This decision aligns firearm regulations with the age of majority established under Argentine law and reflects reforms made to the Civil Code in 2015. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich supported the move, arguing that if individuals can vote at 16, serve in the military, and make other significant life choices at 18, they should also have the right to own firearms. The rationale behind the change is to eliminate inconsistencies in the law and to emphasize the government's confidence in the maturity and responsibility of young adults. The 1975 firearm ownership regulations were deemed outdated, and the new decree addresses what officials referred to as a "legal incongruity". By allowing 18-year-olds to own firearms, the Milei administration aims to empower responsible citizens while simultaneously cracking down on illegal firearms possession. According to recent reports, there are about 1.6 million registered firearms in Argentina, but only roughly 1 million registered users. Alarmingly, only 30 percent of these firearm permits are current, which signifies that a large portion of the firearms in circulation may be illegal. In response to these statistics, the Argentine government has also put forth legislation to streamline the process of re-registering users and to offer amnesty to those who have been in possession of firearms illegally. The decision to empower younger adults with firearm ownership rights also stems from a broader narrative within the government about the right to self-protection. The current administration asserts that good citizens deserve access to weapons as part of their liberties. This legal shift appears to be part of a systematic effort to balance the rights of individuals with the need for public safety. As the government promotes legitimate access to firearms, they also emphasize the importance of responsible ownership, safety training, and compliance with existing legal requirements. Moreover, this policy change has sparked debate within the Argentinian society, highlighting contrasting views on gun control, citizen safety, and the overall impact of such laws on crime rates. Immediate reactions to this decree have varied, with some applauding the move as a progressive change, while others critique it as potentially increasing risks associated with firearm misuse among youth. The current administration continues to navigate these complexities as it strives to implement a cohesive policy on firearm ownership in Argentina.