Congress votes to lower gun control restrictions

Luna's long-standing total ban on civilian ownership of firearms has recently been debated throughout the nation: protests broke out over the strict restrictions last month, and for some time, Congress has considered loosening the restrictions placed in this area.

"It's an outdated law," said Arcadian congressional representative Zora Meissner. "We don't need a ban on all firearms anymore. The decision we've made, I would say, is a good compromise between safety laws and gun rights."

The final congressional decision (82-18) was to allow certain firearms — a limited number of rifle firearms will be allowed, but handguns and any military grade weapon will still be prohibited for now. Some consider this a step towards further liberty.

"We can bring back the level of freedom the United States had back in those times," said a citizen who elected to stay anonymous. "I would say we should even further lower the restrictions for self-defense purposes."

However, others consider the policy change something that will negatively affect the Lunar populace in the long run.

"Gun control is necessary," argued Joseph Laverne, a citizen of Meridia. "Sure, self-defense is great and all, but what about those people who choose to use their weapons for other things? What about school shootings and other acts of gun violence? No, this is certainly going to end badly."

The policy change has also been influenced by a suggestion by the government of the Dominion of Cascadia to lower restrictions in order to allow for self-defense in case of invasions or attacks after the expiration of the Cascadian protectorate agreement in July.

"Altogether, I think that this is necessary," said President Aurelia Aquilla. "I think this also isn't all that harmful since it's just a small lowering of restrictions, and I do think that further changes would be unnecessary and could lead to more violent crime, but for now this is what Luna needs to be safe from further attacks."