Australian state passes tougher gun laws

SYDNEY — Australia's most populous state passed sweeping new gun and anti-terror rules on Wednesday following the mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership, banning public display of terror symbols and strengthening police power to curb protests.

The New South Wales state parliament passed the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill early morning after the upper house approved the bill by 18 votes to 8 during an emergency sitting.

The state's Premier Chris Minns said not all residents of New South Wales would support the tough reforms but his government was doing everything possible to keep people safe, in the wake of the Dec 14 shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, where 15 people were killed and dozens wounded.