Stricter gun legislation the only way to prevent misuse of weapons

Gun violence in the United States has become a more pressing issue than ever before.

Despite cases such as the San Bernardino attack and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the US Congress has yet to step in with firm gun laws to curb this problem.

I am perturbed that a number of Republicans became more willing to look into this matter only after the Orlando shooting.

However, despite the efforts of US Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who held a filibuster to highlight the lack of congressional action on gun control, the US Senate voted against two gun violence prevention amendments.

It is disturbing that the flagrant use of arms still occurs frequently and that the US is not implementing policies that will ensure background checks are done before the sale of weapons.

The right to bear arms in the US is premised on the right of self-defence. The availability of guns to the layman should be for that sole purpose, and not a prerogative that can be exploited for nefarious reasons.

Until mankind learns to respect human life, legislation is the only panacea for such further transgressions.