In a significant move, Argentine President Javier Milei recently signed a decree that lowers the minimum age for firearm purchases from 21 to 18 years old. The decision aligns the legal age for acquiring firearms with the age of majority in Argentina, which has been established at 18. This change reflects a broader reevaluation of existing firearm ownership laws, which were originally put in place in 1975. The revision aims to modernize legislation to reflect contemporary standards and social norms, particularly in light of reforms in the Civil Code made in 2015 that recognized 18 as the threshold for adulthood.
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich backed the decree, arguing that it is illogical for 18-year-olds to be restricted from firearm ownership when they can vote, serve in the military, or make life-altering decisions such as gender reassignment. Bullrich emphasized that this age group deserves the right to protect themselves and engage as legitimate users of firearms. She framed the measure as a step toward empowering responsible young citizens while simultaneously combating organized crime and ensuring public safety. This rhetoric suggests a belief that civilians can responsibly engage in firearm ownership amidst a backdrop of rising crime and insecurity.
While lowering the age is a notable shift, the decree does not alter existing requirements for obtaining firearms. Prospective gun owners must continue to secure a Credential of Legitimate Firearms User (CLU), which necessitates the verification of identity, criminal records, and successful completion of psychological and physical examinations. Individuals with a valid CLU can apply for a firearm carry permit, which entails an additional set of criteria. These regulations aim to ensure that firearm ownership is approached with a level of responsibility and caution.
Critics of the former age limit argued that it created a “legal incongruity,” whereby individuals who were legally adults in other aspects of life could not possess firearms. Sources close to the security minister indicated that the change symbolizes trust in the maturity and responsibility of young citizens, advocating for a safe and responsible approach to weapon usage. The government’s assertion is that the removal of this outdated limitation will allow young adults to exercise their rights on an equitable basis, further reinforcing the idea that firearm ownership is a legitimate aspect of personal safety.
As context, statistics reveal a prominent issue with firearm registration in Argentina, with approximately 1.6 million registered firearms linked to about one million users. Alarmingly, only 30 percent of those users have current permits, implying that a substantial portion of firearms may be possessed illegally. To address this, the Argentine government proposed a bill to Congress in May aimed at simplifying the re-registration process for legitimate users. The bill would also offer a grace period to those currently in irregular possession to regularize their status without severe legal repercussions.
The proposed legislation reflects a commitment by the Argentine government to facilitate legal access to firearms while incorporating measures to promote responsible ownership. With an apparent goal of increasing compliance and safety, these reforms could reshape the landscape of firearm ownership in Argentina. Observers will be keenly watching how these changes are implemented, how they affect public safety, and what further measures may be introduced to manage firearms effectively, given the complexities surrounding illegal possession and registration in the country.