Gun Control Debate

Non-Violence is a sculpture presented by the Government of Luxembourg to the United Nations in 1988. This piece consists of a large bronze replica of a .45-calibre revolver, the barrel of which is tied into a knot. It was created in 1980 as a peace symbol by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd. The sculpture is permanently on display at the Visitors' Plaza of the United Nations Headquarters. The symbolism of this artwork is very timely in the wake of the recent shootings in Newtown, Connecticut. The event sparked a nationwide debate on whether stricter laws limiting gun ownership infringe on the right to bear arms. Controversy ensued very recently after a local newspaper, The Journal News published an interactive Google map showing the names and addresses of gun owners in suburban New York.  The Journal News notes on its website that the information contained in the map is a matter of public record. Recent polls show that support for tighter gun control laws continues to rise.

"Non-Violence" Sculpture at the United Nations Headquarters

Permanently installed outside the United Nations Headquarters in midtown Manhattan is a sculpture called "Non-Violence." This "knotted gun" piece was created by Karl Fredrik Reutersward. It was one of the first three versions of the sculpture, bought by the Luxembourg government and offered to the UN in 1988. It was said then that:

"With Non-Violence, Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd has not only endowed the Untited Nations with a cherished work of art; he has enriched the consciousness of humanity with a powerful symbol. It is a symbol that encapsulates, in a few simple curves, the greatest prayer of man: that which asks not for victory, but for peace."