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.

  • Varyk@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    1·
    6 months ago

    Wtf, it’s difficult to imagine a more directly harmful and scientifically evidenced habit.

    absurd

    • Nawor3565@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      1·
      6 months ago

      To be clear, they’re saying that repealing the ban is lacking evidence to support the decision. It’s just worded very poorly, but the article makes it clear:

      “Repealing the legislation flies in the face of robust research evidence; it ignores measures strongly supported by Māori leaders and it will preserve health inequities,” co-director professor Janet Hoek of Otago University’s Aspire Aotearoa Research Centre said.

    • Optional@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      6 months ago

      The decision has sparked a huge backlash from researchers and experts saying the actions lack logic and evidence, describing it as “shameful”.

    • catloaf@lemm.eeEnglish
      1·
      6 months ago

      The repeal would have the risk. The summary is very poorly worded.

    • Pretzilla@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      6 months ago

      No the opposite

      It’s an easy game - just think of the worst thing and that’s what the right wing conservative party is trying to do.

      And it’s a global issue now

      • kescusay@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        6 months ago

        It’s been so disheartening to watch. There’s apparently a large percentage of the world’s population that is scared of every change for the better. Just absolutely driven by mind-numbing, counter-productive fear. And I don’t get it.

        I mean, come on, these are fucking cigarettes. There’s no mystery, here, they kill people. They’re a poison product, and the monsters who sell them are selling gruesome death. But somehow, stopping a business from profiting off of these horrible, unnecessary deaths is scarier than the cancer sticks themselves? Why? Fucking why? Is it because literally all change is scary, no matter what its nature?

        I’m starting to think we’re an evolutionary dead end. I don’t know how we survive past this madness.