Laser pointers, too dangerous to be carried. Apparently.

[Milts]

I swear, I'm usually the lefty, nanny state, interventionist prick. But what the flying fuck?

http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/le...sers-amendment

[gammaguy]

while waste of oxygen morons continue to act like the losers that they are,the government will have to make laws like this

Thats what the country deserves for neglecting education and discipline

[Jantar]

I note that the background to the bill makes it clear that is will only be an offence to have a hand held laser "without reasonable excuse". that means if you have a legitimate reason to be carrying a laser then no offence has been committed.

Now, I hope that cop pointing a laser gun at me has a reasonable excuse for doing so.

[unstuck]

So who decides what a "reasonable" excuse is? Your average bobby on the street? Or will there be a list of accepted "reasonable" excuses somewhere?

[Berries]

As someone who is quite badly colour blind, if that is the reason, I have to point out that I have never once seen a laser pointer working in the way it is intended and the way the proposed law wants to protect, on a whiteboard highlighting text or pictures. I think they are taking the piss because I can't see anything.

The only successful use of a laser pointer that I have witnessed is to wind the dog or the kids up by pointing it around the house in the dark and enjoying much family merriment. If they take this right away from me I will never vote for whoever it is bringing the law in again.

Bastards.

And considering that it was so difficult to target a searchlight on an incoming German bomber in WWII I think that anyone who manages to aim one in to the cockpit of the plane should get an award.

[unstuck]

The only successful use of a laser pointer that I have witnessed is to wind the dog or the kids up by pointing it around the house in the dark and enjoying much family merriment. If they take this right away from me I will never vote for whoever it is bringing the law in again.

Bastards.

.

Thats the only time I have ever used one too, thats why I was wondering about "reasonable excuses" because if I were to get nabbed walking home with from the $2 shop with one in my pocket, and told the bobby that it was for family entertainment and he did not believe me, would this see me getting charged with terrorism. Hate to think how many hours PD I would get for that.

[Grashopper]

Now that is just crazy.
I used to carry a laser pointer all the time when I was still volunteering at the SPCA. The cats loved it

I have a couple lying around here for presentations. They are tiny. I probably wouldn't even notice if they are still in my bag long after a conference or other "legitimate" reason.

I think using paper shouldn't be allowed. It cuts fingers...

[Grumph]

As someone who is quite badly colour blind, if that is the reason, I have to point out that I have never once seen a laser pointer working in the way it is intended and the way the proposed law wants to protect, on a whiteboard highlighting text or pictures. I think they are taking the piss because I can't see anything.

The only successful use of a laser pointer that I have witnessed is to wind the dog or the kids up by pointing it around the house in the dark and enjoying much family merriment. If they take this right away from me I will never vote for whoever it is bringing the law in again.

Bastards.

And considering that it was so difficult to target a searchlight on an incoming German bomber in WWII I think that anyone who manages to aim one in to the cockpit of the plane should get an award.

While i agree with you in that I've never seen one used for it's intended purpose but have also entertained the pets, i disagree that hitting the planes is difficult. Never sat at the end of a major airport runway ? They're sitting ducks - low and slow with cockpit windows which would make it as easy as shining one into your neighbour's lounge....
It's unfortunate that this legislation is needed - but if it gets me into the airport safely at night, shit yes.

[unstuck]

It's unfortunate that this legislation is needed - but if it gets me into the airport safely at night, shit yes.

Sad but true, I suppose if you are nowhere near an airport, they may be a little more understanding.

[Paul in NZ]

There are the $2 shop ones and then there are the really really grunty ones and yes morons use them for all sorts of mayhem. Everything from aiming them at sports people kicking conversions to pilots. People act unreasonably then you get unreasonable laws...

[mashman]

We should ban the sun. That fucker is indiscriminate.

[Milts]

While i agree with you in that I've never seen one used for it's intended purpose but have also entertained the pets, i disagree that hitting the planes is difficult. Never sat at the end of a major airport runway ? They're sitting ducks - low and slow with cockpit windows which would make it as easy as shining one into your neighbour's lounge....
It's unfortunate that this legislation is needed - but if it gets me into the airport safely at night, shit yes.

That's the thing: people doing this are already being prosecuted, under different laws. This law serves no useful purpose.

[Skiwi]

People act unreasonably, then you get unreasonable laws...

Is it it unreasonable to shoot the dumb bastards therefore negating the need for for unreasonable laws?

[unstuck]

Is it it unreasonable to shoot the dumb bastards therefore negating the need for for unreasonable laws?

If we were allowed to shoot dumb people, the world would be empty of the human race.

[oldrider]

I have one of these taped onto my dick so that I can successfully hit the urinals etc ... would that be considered lawful use?

I was thinking of marketing the idea for pensioner homes etc but now? ... Damn!