Speakers at the event organized by Feinstein rejected arguments that anyone beyond the military or law enforcement officers needed such firepower.

CNN: 'Enough is enough,' Feinstein says in proposing new gun ban

In the event that the petition is rejected, Father MacRae's attorneys say they will appeal.

WSJ: Rabinowitz: The Trials of Father MacRae

The government initially rejected the demand but agreed later after its allies pledged support in the event of a parliamentary vote.

BBC: Indian government wins controversial foreign retail vote

But the Portuguese had hoped that if national leaders signed the treaty in person, the symbolism of the event would draw a line under the crisis provoked in 2005, when French and Dutch voters rejected the original constitution.

ECONOMIST: Gordon Brown fumbles in Europe