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.

  • FfaerieOxide
    1•4 months ago

    Can you cite the comparable artificial carcinogenic additives to the maillard reaction and the Sun that makes the maillard reaction and the Sun cancer-causing, and how the maillard reaction and the Sun have been marketed by their respective industries to addict several generations to their harmful products?

    Whoa now, are you arguing for additive free cigarettes or illegalizing tobacco? Keep up.

    And The Sun is absolutely addictive. Block it out and see the shakes society experiences.

    • @VarykEnglish
      1•4 months ago

      Neither, you’re confusing your insincerity with superiority.

      The sun is necessary, not addictive.

      • FfaerieOxide
        1•4 months ago

        The sun is necessary, not addictive.

        Oh, I’m sure you “could quit any time” you want.

        • @VarykEnglish
          1•4 months ago

          You’re sure that people can quit the Sun? The source of literally all life on the planet?

          Love to hear your reasoning there.

          • FfaerieOxide
            1•4 months ago

            You’re sure that people can quit the Sun? The source of literally all life on the planet?

            I’m not. My position is that the sun is addictive. You’re the one who seems to think they can quit anytime they want, as indicated by your forwarding of the stance that the sun is not addictive.

            • @VarykEnglish
              1•4 months ago

              Air isn’t an addiction, it is a necessity. Food is not an addiction, it is a necessity. Sunlight is not an addiction, but a necessity.

              Cigarettes are an addiction, not a necessity.

              • FfaerieOxide
                1•4 months ago

                Air isn’t an addiction, it is a necessity.

                Try going cold turkey on air or telling someone experiencing a nic fit it “isn’t necessary” that they smoke.

                • @VarykEnglish
                  1•4 months ago

                  Have done.

                  Their upset doesn’t make the difference between an addiction and a necessity any less stark.

                  Cold turkey - incorrect addictive metaphor for a necessity: air.

                  • FfaerieOxide
                    1•4 months ago

                    Cold turkey - incorrect addictive metaphor for a necessity: air.

                    I feel it is apt, and reject your assertion a thing can not be both necessary and addictive.

                    And air isn’t exactly “necessary”. Life got on just fine without it before getting hooked around the Cambrian. Also air is terrible and harmful. Oxidises things. Causes rust. Toxic stuff.

                    Should we ban air while we’re illegalising substances with negative facets?