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Laser Pointers Classed as Weapons in Australia

An anonymous reader was the first to point to an article in the Sydney Morning Herald which says that New South Wales (of which Sydney is the capital) will prohibit the possession of certain types of laser pointers, defining them as weapons, and make it an offense to carry any laser pointer "without a lawful reason." (Similar coverage at news.com.au) Western Australia apparently beat NSW to the punch, and the federal government of Australia announced earlier this month it will treat laser pointers much like firearms, which, in Australia, is really saying something. The restrictions come as a reaction to incidents (not confined to Australia) in which the lasers were trained on planes, distracting pilots.

6 of 491 comments (clear)

  1. The laser pointers will look harmless by antifoidulus · · Score: 5, Funny

    compared to the chaos that will ensue after the cats of Australia have found out what lawmakers have done with their favorite toy and rise up as one to slay them.

  2. Guns don't kill people by OeLeWaPpErKe · · Score: 4, Funny

    Laser pointers do !

  3. Re:It's only class 3 and 4 lasers by ColaMan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Only point it up.

    I believe that's the problem they're trying to address.

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    You are in a twisty maze of processor lines, all alike.
    There is a lot of hype here.
  4. Re:Lawful reason by MrNaz · · Score: 5, Funny

    Will my tank full of sharks count as a "lawful reason"?

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    I hate printers.
  5. Oblig. by tick-tock-atona · · Score: 4, Funny

    Homer: A high powered laser is not a weapon, Marge, it's a tool. Like a butcher's knife or a harpoon, or... or an alligator.

  6. They just need a warning label by jamesh · · Score: 4, Funny

    They just need a warning label, like 'Warning: Do not point laser at remaining pilot'.