Brasília - A year after arriving in the Chamber of Deputies, a bill authorizing a referendum on the sale of firearms and ammunition has been approved. The vote was 258 to 48, with 5 abstentions.

With the approval, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) can begin preparations for the referendum, which should take place in October.

The voting will be done with Brazilian electronic voting machines and will answer one question:"Should the sale of firearms and ammunition be prohibited in Brazil?"

A campaign will take place during a 45-day period before the referendum to make people aware of the issue. Groups in favor of the prohibition, and groups against it, will get equal time to present their case on radio and TV.

Translator: Allen Bennett