SAO PAULO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A large majority of Brazilians said they disagree with a presidential decree that significantly relaxes gun laws, according to a poll released on Monday.
Of more than 2000 Brazilians in 143 municipalities surveyed, up to 73 percent said they are against easing the restrictions of citizens to carry weapons in public, while 26 percent support the measure, said the survey conducted by Brazilian pollster Ibope.
In addition, nearly 61 percent of the respondents said they are against easier possesses of guns at home, while 37 percent support the policy.
The survey, completed in March, reflected widespread public criticism towards a presidential decree issued in January to relax Brazilian gun laws.
The country's gun policy saw a swing on May 23, as a new decree was issued, which forbids citizens to carry long guns in public, except for hunters. However, it permits landowners to possess them, including some semi-automatic rifles, on their properties and expanded the categories of people who can carry handguns.
