Readers support Swiss decision keeping guns in homes

The following comments reflect the views of DW-WORLD.DE readers. DW-WORLD.DE reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.

Swiss vote to keep their guns at home

I own firearms and keep them in my home - and they've never killed anyone in all the time I've possessed them. But if anyone tries to take my life, liberty or property - that statement will no longer be true (most likely). "There are no dangerous weapons - there are only dangerous people." - Yukikaze, United States

The only gun that makes the world more safe is the destroyed gun or the one that got never bought. Julius, via Facebook

I and my wife are retired military veterans. We have kept firearms and other weapons in our home wherever it was legal. Research shows that what makes an armed society a safe society is a widespread belief in the rule of law. The vast majority of gun crimes in the US are perpetrated by people who do not believe in the rule of law or are outright criminals. Once a nation is beyond tribalism or neo-feudalism, then individuals can be trusted with weapons. - Gene, United States

It has been said over the years that outlawing guns means that only outlaws will have guns! This has been proven to be true in that since in the UK handguns have been banned, the crime rate and statistics have shown that gun crime has risen not fallen. The only people affected by such a ban are the honest, law-abiding gun club members who shoot for sport/interest or hunting. - Christopher, Great Britain

Keeping firearms in the home is perfectly safe provided one takes basic precautions, for example, keeping it out of the hands of unauthorized persons. Moreover, a lack of firearms access does not prevent suicides, it merely forces the person to use an alternative method to end their life. The best means to prevent suicide is intervention by trained mental health professionals. - Nathan, United States

All countries should have standard laws when it comes to firearms ownership. In New Zealand, we are required to be vetted then pass the test of firearms use and safety. In the home, we are obliged to have a secure cabinet/chest in which the firearms are stored under lock and key. In theory, no criminal should be in possession of any weapons, but unfortunately when caught the judiciary are weak and the penalties are not enforced strictly enough undermining police/law. - Roland, New Zealand

Yes, guns make homes safer. So long as a gun owner is properly trained and properly stores the firearm, there is no reason a person should be barred from having a gun to defend their life, home, and property. The trouble with weapon bans is they only affect law-abiding citizens. Criminals do not obey gun bans and they do not get rid of their guns when law-abiding citizens are forced to. - Ted, United States

If there are no guns ... there are kitchen knives, gas stoves, medicines, etc. One does not decide, "I'll shoot myself." One decides, sadly, "I'll end my life," and only then looks for a mechanism. Work to fight the depression, not the tools. - Denny, United States

Compiled by Sean Sinico
Editor: Andreas Illmer