Justice

Jim Jefferies Makes Important Points About Gun Control

October 5th 2015

Last week’s shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon left 10 dead (including the gunman) and nine wounded, reigniting a public debate on gun reform in America. In lieu of the killings, a segment made by Australian comedian Jim Jefferies is re-circulating this week. In the segment, Jefferies criticizes gun laws and culture in the U.S.

"There is one argument, and one argument alone for having a gun, and this is the argument: Fuck off, I like guns,'" Jefferies said. "It’s not the best argument, but it’s all you’ve got. And there’s nothing wrong with saying, ‘I like something, don’t take it away from me.'"

"But don’t give me this other bullshit. ‘I need it for protection. I need it to protect me, and I need it to protect my family,’” Jefferies joked, mimicking an American accent. "Really? Is that why they’re called assault rifles. Is it? Never heard of these fucking protection rifles you speak of."

RELATED: Chris Mintz, Who Rushed The Oregon Shooter, Recovering in Hospital

Jefferies isn’t speaking out of turn, either. He and his girlfriend were once the victims of a home invasion in Manchester, England. The perpetrators entered Jefferies’ home through the window with a machete and a hammer, tying up Jefferies and threatening his girlfriend with rape.

Jefferies asserted that he doesn’t think having a gun would have helped him in that situation.

"I was naked at the time. I wasn’t wearing my holster," Jefferies continued. "I wasn’t staring at the window waiting for [them] to come through. What world do you live in where you’re constantly fucking ready?"

RELATED: Sheriff Investigating Oregon Shooting Wrote Anti-Gun Reform Letter To Joe Biden​

It goes beyond laws or protection, Jefferies argues. It’s a whole culture that America is caught up in.

“You have guns because you like guns!" Jefferies continues. That's why you go to gun conventions; that's why you read gun magazines! None of you give a shit about home security. None of you go to home security conventions. None of you read Padlock Monthly. None of you have a Facebook picture of you behind a secure door.”

Jefferies' home country of Australia is frequently referenced in arguments that support legislative gun reform. After the Port Arthur massacre that left 35 dead, Australia’s government passed strict sets of gun laws known as the National Firearms Agreement and Buyback Program. After the laws were enacted, homicides by firearm dropped 59 percent between 1995 and 2006.

President Obama has specifically cited Australia as a positive example of gun reform.

"When Australia had a mass killing … it was just so shocking," Obama told comedian Marc Maron. "The entire country said, 'Well, we're going to completely change our gun laws,' and they did. And it hasn't happened since."

Share your opinion

Do you think we need stricter gun control laws in the United States?

No 24%Yes 76%