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Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has criticised Defence Minister Wayne Sturge over comments suggesting that limiting constitutional rights is “a small price to pay” if the Government’s proposed Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) legislation helps remove illegal firearms from communities.
Sturge made the remark during Wednesday’s Senate debate on law reform. In a statement to Guardian Media, Beckles said while the Opposition condemns violent crime and supports firm action against gangs and illegal weapons, crime-fighting must be done lawfully.
“The idea that constitutional rights are a ‘small price to pay’ for security is deeply dangerous,” Beckles said, stressing that rights are not optional privileges but the foundation of democracy and the rule of law.
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