Smoking Ban On Navajo Nation Reservations Vetoed

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 11 Aug 2008 - 11:00 PDT

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Navajo Nation Tribal President Joe Shirley on Thursday vetoed a ban on smoking and chewing tobacco in public places on the reservation, the Boston Globe reports (Boston Globe, 8/7). The Navajo Nation Council last week voted 42-27 to approve the smoking ban. The ban does not include tobacco used in ceremonies on the reservation, located on portions of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah (Kaiser Health Disparities Report, 7/28).

Shirley said he rejected the measure because he was concerned that the ban would interfere with religious ceremonies and limit casino revenue. He said that he also was concerned that the measure did not fully address underage smoking. Supporters of the ban say they plan to work with tribal lawmakers to override the veto (Boston Globe, 8/7).

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