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.

  • @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?

          • @VarykEnglish
            1•4 months ago

            We won’t ban air, but feel free to stop taking it up for so many other people.

            Yes, air is necessary for humans. Not an addiction.

            I appreciate that you agree with everything else I’m saying and you’re just trying to pick one thing out to eke out your survival while perpetually losing side of this debate, but you probably should have chosen a simpler target to attack than air not being important for people.

            You’re wrong again, a consistent six logical fallacies for you? You’re incorrect on so many things I’ve lost count.

            Please keep trying, it is fun watching how much deeper you can dig yourself into this ditch.

            • FfaerieOxide
              1•4 months ago

              Yes, air is necessary for humans. Not an addiction.

              Had a guy tell me heroin was necessary once. You admit you can’t quit air but won’t face the fact you have an addiction? First step is admitting you have a problem.

              your perpetually losing side of this debate

              Actually, I think you will find I am winning.

              You’re incorrect on so many things I’ve lost count.

              I’m right about smoking being cool. Why do you want to illegalise cool things?

              • @VarykEnglish
                1•4 months ago

                I admit you have a problem.

                A junkie telling you they need heroin does not make heroin a biological human necessity.

                With your addiction to being wrong, it isn’t surprising you don’t understand what’s right.

                Keep swinging.

                • FfaerieOxide
                  1•4 months ago

                  With your addiction to being wrong

                  Have we established I have an addiction? What addiction are you talking about and by what metric are you deeming it “wrong”?

                  Sounds like a value judgement, that.

                  • @VarykEnglish
                    1•4 months ago

                    Your being incorrect is an objective fact.

                    You don’t believe the sun is a human necessity. That’s incorrect.

                    You don’t believe food is a human necessity. That’s incorrect.

                    You don’t believe the air is a human necessity. That’s incorrect.

                    You use metaphors incorrectly.

                    You can’t tell the difference between anecdotes or established scientific fact.

                    Regardless of being continually incorrect, you state what are obviously incorrect conclusions repeatedly.

                    You’re addicted to being wrong.

                    While I’m not addicted to being right, it does feel good to continually be right and read your incorrect responses.

                    Keep going.