SAO PAULO (Reuters) - A Senate committee on Wednesday rejected Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's decree that significantly loosened laws banning the ability of citizens to carry guns.
The full Senate still needs to vote on the matter. Regardless of whether senators reject or approve the measure, it still must go to the lower house for a vote.
Bolsonaro issued the decree despite Brazil's record murder rate, nearly half involving firearms.
For the decree to be killed, both the Senate and the lower house must reject it. If either of the bodies approves the decree, it will stand.
Making it easier for private citizens to carry arms https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-guns/bolsonaro-loosens-gun-laws-in-murder-ridden-brazil-idUSKCN1P91Q6 was a top campaign promise for Bolsonaro, who took office on Jan. 1.
In May, Bolsonaro signed a decree to ease restrictions on gun imports and increase the amount of ammunition https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil-politics-guns/update-1-brazils-bolsonaro-signs-decree-easing-gun-import-ammo-limits-idUSL2N22J1YO a person can buy.
Shortly afterwards, federal prosecutors sued https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-politics-guns/brazil-prosecutors-seek-injunction-to-prevent-bolsonaro-gun-decree-idUSKCN1SL1ZD the government, seeking an injunction against the bill, arguing it "endangered the public safety of all Brazilians."
(Reporting by Eduardo Simões and Gabriela Mello; editing by Grant McCool)