Support the Right to Smoke

WE the undersigned state via this petition that people have a Right to smoke cigarettes, and that their choice to do so should not coerced off them by threat of non-treatment by publicly funded health facilities when they seek assistance in withdrawing from alcohol and other drugs.

WE consider the imposition of a forced ban on a particularly vulnerable section of society when the same ban is not imposed on the larger community to be not only undemocratic, but also imposes a disproportionate level of suffering on those who are already suffering enough.

WE consider that the degree of direction used in telling those attempting to break serious addictions to alcohol and illicit drugs that they can only get the help they seek if they conform to a set of rules regarding tobacco is both exploitive and fraught with ethical concerns. To take away the Right to smoke without adequate referral to other services, which do permit their Rights to remain, is contrary to the Public Service Code of Conduct to provide best practice to those seeking such help.

WE demand that FREEDOM OF CHOICE is restored, or alternative treatment facilities made available where the Right to smoke can be exercised without discrimination.