Brazil's Senate has rejected a decree by President Jair Bolsonaro that loosened the country's strict gun laws, dealing a blow to the far-right leader who had lobbied for lawmakers to approve the measure.

Making it easier for private citizens to carry guns was one of Bolsonaro's campaign promises and his May 7 decree greatly expanded the ability of Brazilians to sell, access and carry firearms.

Bolsonaro had taken to social media to urge lawmakers to support the decree, but they rejected it late Tuesday by a 47 to 28 margin.

The decree now goes to the lower house. For the decree to be killed, both the Senate and the lower house must reject it.