Small US town makes gun ownership mandatory

A small town in the US state of Georgia has passed a new law in favor of gun ownership, requiring every head of household “to maintain a firearm, together with ammunition.”

The City Council of Nelson, which is located about 50 miles north of Atlanta, approved the so-called Family Protection Ordinance amid rising gun violence in the United States.

“In order to provide for the emergency management of the city, and further in order to provide for and protect the safety, security and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants, every head of household residing in the city limits is required to maintain a firearm, together with ammunition therefore,” the ordinance said.

City officials claim that the measure could act as a deterrent against potential criminals.

“I really felt like this ordinance was a security sign for our city. Basically it was a deterrent ordinance to tell potential criminals they might want to go on down the road a little bit,” said Councilman Duane Cronic.

However, the measure has faced tough opposition by residents who believe the ordinance is going too far.

“What’s the point?” asked resident Lamar Kellett. “By their own admission this is a sham. It’s just for play.”

Meanwhile, nationwide polls revealed that the majority of Americans support a ban on assault weapons amid growing calls for stricter gun control measures.

The United States has experienced several mass killings over the past six months, with military-style assault weapons being the weapon of choice.

Every year, more than 30,000 people are shot and killed in the United States. This is while about 4.5 million firearms are sold annually in the country at a cost of two to three billion dollars.

According to the University of Chicago Crime Lab and the Centers for Disease Control, the US has an average of 87 deaths each day as a result of gun violence, with an average of 183 injured.