11/4/2009
Conservative MPs, bolstered by a handful of Liberals and New Democrats, have narrowly voted in principle to kill the federal long gun registry.
Tory MPs roared their approval as the vote on Bill C-391 was read out in the House of Commons: 164 for, 137 against.
The private member's bill, which would end the decade-old registry of most shotguns and rifles, now goes to a Commons committee for further study and possible amendment.
Conservatives say the registry is a billion-dollar waste that targets honest gun-owners while doing nothing to fight crime.
Proponents, including police and victims-rights groups, say the registry is a useful investigative tool and has led to more responsible gun ownership, reducing suicides and deadly crimes of passion.
The legislation was proposed by Manitoba Tory backbencher Candice Hoeppner.
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