Urgent Christian Action Alert
Contact members of the Judiciary I Committee to show your support
Christian Action League
According to the House Calendar for next week, HB 2 – Prohibit Smoking in Public and Work Places is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday March 17, at 10:00 a.m.
The proposed legislation would prohibit smoking in all enclosed public places or places of employment, with the exception of private residences (except those used to provide child care or adult care services), tobacco shops (as long as the smoke doesn’t migrate into other enclosed areas where smoking is not permitted), tobacco manufacturing or processing facilities, and designated smoking guests rooms in a lodging establishment.”
Owners and managers of establishments who open their businesses to the public or employ persons would need to post “No Smoking” signs and remove all ash trays. The measure requires persons who smoke in nonsmoking areas be instructed to extinguish their tobacco product. Violators would be subject to a fine ranging from $50 to not more than $200.00, enforced by the local health director.
Take Christian Action: Please take a moment to contact House Judiciary I Committee members before Tuesday morning’s hearing and express your support.
Dr. Richard Land of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention recently said: “Tobacco smoke is noxious, causing serious respiratory and other problems to the people exposed to it. Mr. Holliman’s bill will help protect people who cannot avoid being exposed to second-hand smoke as they move about in public. This commitment to public health is commendable. It does not prevent people from smoking if they choose to do so, but it helps to protect others from the effects of their harmful choices. Many people will live longer, healthier lives as a result.”
Send an email to the members of the House Judiciary I Committee and express your support for this legislation.
Suggested Subject Line: HB 2 Should Have Your Support
Suggested Text for Email:
Representative,
It is my understanding that you serve on the House Judiciary I Committee. I believe that HB 2 – Prohibit Smoking in Public & Work Places should have your support.
This legislation is a very positive step forward for protecting the public’s health. The dangers of second-hand smoke are real. As many as 58,000 people die nationally from illnesses related to second-hand smoke, and as many as 1600 are North Carolinians.
The right to choose and the right to private property are indeed God-given and constitutionally protected rights. Nevertheless, society also rightly recognizes that some rights are higher than others. HB 2 represents a balanced approach to effectively protecting the life, liberty and property of all, but not at the expense of the most important of these – life.
Thank you,
_____________your name
_____________city of residence in N.C.
Email Addresses of House Judiciary I Committee Members