After Winnenden
May 8, 2009
Plans by German politicians to strengthen gun laws in the wake of the massacre in Winnenden that left 16 dead don't go far enough, according to a new action group founded by families of the victims. The government's proposed legislative changes are mostly “cosmetic,” said Hardy Schober, chair of the Winnenden Massacre Group.
In response, the group has started a signature campaign with their own ideas for a legislative response to the attacks. They'd like a ban on large caliber weapons and say there's no reason to store handguns in private households. Those, they say, should be kept at registered gun clubs.
The group also wants video and computer games that encourage violence to be banned. Other ideas include a violence quota for television, online drop-in centers for teens, and a requirement that schools have at least one psychologist or social worker on campus. The group says a network should be developed to connect schools, police and psychologists in efforts to prevent violent attacks.
Government's plan
The parents' campaign comes a day after the partners in Chancellor Angela Merkel's grand coalition government, the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, announced that they had reached a compromise for beefing up legislation on guns and violent games. The politicians hope to push the new laws through before September's federal election.
The government's plan includes new unannounced inspections for gun owners, even if there is no suspicion of misconduct. They also are seeking to ban lasertag and paintball games. This last measure is “a little over the top,” according to Winnenden Massacre Group spokesperson Gisela Mayer. She also said they were unimpressed with the politicians' efforts in general.
“What would be preferable,” she said, “would be a little courage” in dealing with the issue.
Mayer is the mother of a young teacher killed by 17-year-old Tim K. when he went on a rampage at his former school. Nine students and three teachers were killed before he fled. On the run from the police, he killed three others before ultimately killing himself.
“We wouldn't wish upon anyone else in this country what we had to experience,” said Mayer.