Reversal of smoking ban criticised as ‘shameful’ for lacking evidence

Reversal of smoking ban criticised as ‘shameful’ for lacking evidence

New Zealand is repealing the world’s first smoking ban passed under former prime minister Jacinda Arden’s government to pave the way for a smoke-free generation amid backlash from researchers and campaigners over its risk to Indigenous people.

The new coalition government led by prime minister Christopher Luxon confirmed the repeal will happen on Tuesday, delivering on one of the actions of his coalition’s ambitious 100-day plan.

The government repeal will be put before parliament as a matter of urgency, enabling it to scrap the law without seeking public comment, in line with previously announced plans.

  • kescusay@lemmy.worldEnglish
    63·
    9 months ago

    But in this case, it was telling cancer-stick merchants that they can’t kill people, and then their victims rushed to their defense.

    • iAmTheTot@kbin.social
      31·
      9 months ago

      Yes, because those people don’t like being told what they can’t do. The thing they can’t do, in this case, is buy cigarettes.

      • quafeinum@lemmy.worldEnglish
        54·
        9 months ago

        So what? If they were old enough to buy fags before the ban they could still do so. They argue that their children have a right to lung cancer.

        They are also told to wear a seatbelt and don’t rail against that.

        • iAmTheTot@kbin.social
          4·
          9 months ago

          Some people do, actually. Look, I’m not trying to argue their position for them, I’m not one of those people.