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New Zealand repeals world-first smoking ban passed by Jacinda Ardern (www.independent.co.uk)

submitted 7 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/worldnews@lemmy.world

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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.

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[–] Cryophilia@lemmy.world 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

So we're weighing health effects good vs bad and choosing, on behalf of society, how bad is too bad?

It's like a theocracy, but without the religion.

Clearly there's no hard criteria, like "has the potential to cause personal injury on a wide scale". Which means inevitably it gains a moralistic/tribalistic quality, something that has no place in government, especially when talking about government restrictions.

[–] Grimy@lemmy.world 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

There is a hard criteria, "Causes serious health issues to all it's users with no benefit and is highly addicting". There is literally nothing else in our society currently legal that crosses that line except smoking.

The rest of your argument doesn't make much sense to me, you will have to explain. Most of our laws fall under that umbrella. The potential for damages is weighed against the benefits and the liberties it restricts. Lots of things are outlawed that really aren't as clear cut as cigarettes.

[–] Cryophilia@lemmy.world 1 points 7 months ago

Smoking has social benefits. Same as alcohol.