From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Thu, 12/04/03
New Zealand Becomes World's Fourth Smokefree Country
Last night, by a vote of 68-52, New Zealand became the world's fourth country to
pass smokefree workplace legislation, joining Ireland, Norway, and the tiny
country of Bhutan. The law, which goes into effect in December of 2004, will
protect the health of all workers, including restaurant and bar workers.
Legislator Sue Kedgley said workers were entitled to protection from the hazards
of secondhand smoke, just as they expected to be protected from hazards such as
asbestos. The bill's sponsor, Steve Chadwick, said the law would reduce disease
caused by tobacco smoke.
In the U.S., six states have passed smokefree workplace legislation-- CA, DE,
NY, CT, ME, and MA. Several other states are expected to join them in 2004.
To win smokefree air where you live, go to http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
Joseph W. Cherner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
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