Post by blackcrowheart on Aug 12, 2008 11:40:03 GMT -5
Navajo president vetoes smoking ban
August 08, 2008
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has
vetoed a measure that would have banned smoking and chewing tobacco in
public places across the vast reservation.
Tribal lawmakers had approved the ban during their summer session last
month in the Navajo capital of Window Rock, Ariz. Shirley had 10 days to
consider the measure. Shirley says in a veto message issued Thursday he
was concerned the ban would infringe upon religious ceremonies and would
affect the tribe's ability to generate revenues through its new gaming
initiative.
Shirley also says the measure didn't adequately focus on underage
smoking.
Supporters of the smoking ban say they are disappointed with Shirley's
decision and hope to work with tribal lawmakers to override the veto.
August 08, 2008
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has
vetoed a measure that would have banned smoking and chewing tobacco in
public places across the vast reservation.
Tribal lawmakers had approved the ban during their summer session last
month in the Navajo capital of Window Rock, Ariz. Shirley had 10 days to
consider the measure. Shirley says in a veto message issued Thursday he
was concerned the ban would infringe upon religious ceremonies and would
affect the tribe's ability to generate revenues through its new gaming
initiative.
Shirley also says the measure didn't adequately focus on underage
smoking.
Supporters of the smoking ban say they are disappointed with Shirley's
decision and hope to work with tribal lawmakers to override the veto.