New Zealand Becomes World's Fourth Smokefree Country

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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.