Won't someone think of the children?

[bwh]

Bereaved parents want 5 year jail terms for carrying blades longer than 3 inches. Great, raise the penalty to the same level as guns, and there's little reason not to carry a gun instead, is there? Besides which I'm sure there are plenty of people who need blades that length for their work or crafts. Even my multitool has a 2.5" blade. Currently the law allows that there are legitimate reasons for carrying what could be an "offensive weapon", but this seems to be ignored by the victim lobby.

Comments

[compilerbitch.livejournal.com]

Er... I really do not want to be arrested and imprisoned for possession of a variety of kitchen knives. Nor do I want to learn to chop vegetables with a 2 inch blade.

Mutter grumble mutter stupid mutter grumble.

[womble2.livejournal.com]

This is about having knives in public, not at home. Though how you're supposed to get them home, I don't know.

[gridlockjoe.livejournal.com]

In future, one will have to take one's food to a registered knife shop, pay to rent knives (£5 for 15 minutes), chop the food there under the supervision of a licenced knife professional, and return home.

But it's "for the children"... If humankind is ever stupid enough to bring the world to an end, I am convinced we will be told it's "for the children"...

[ewx.livejournal.com]

Presumably the existing logic about having a good reason for carrying whatever it is would be preserved across any tightening of penalties.

[womble2.livejournal.com]

I would expect so, but it's dangerous to assume that laws will be or remain sensible!