A federal judge has rejected the city's proposal that grisly anti-smoking ads be posted wherever tobacco is sold.
Judge Blocks Graphic Anti-Tobacco Ads
A federal judge has rejected the city’s proposal that grisly anti-smoking ads be posted wherever tobacco is sold.
Judge Jed Rakoff issued the ruling Wednesday, saying the effort is laudable but pre-empted by federal law. He went on to say, “even merchants of morbidity are entitled to the full protection of the law.”
The Health Department required vendors to put the posters up near their tobacco products.
The graphic advertisements featured images of diseased organs, including a brain damaged by a stroke, a decaying tooth in gums and a diseased lung.
The City Law Department released a statement saying, “We are disappointed that this important health initiative was rejected by the court. We are studying the decision and considering our legal options.”
Uncle Mendel
As an ex-Smoker, I applaud the anti-smoking posters. However,
if we attempt to impose our own beliefs on others, that is the beginning of the end of freedom.
How are these ads different than those anti-Israel ones in Seattle? And if Schita is deemed cruel by our government?
Arlans would never allow putting us such posters !!!
@ 1. Uncle Mendel
The difference is that the effects of smoking are no longer just “beliefs” as you put it. THAT debate is over! The days of the tobacco industry lying about the effects with a straight face and it be considered a legitimate debate of beliefs ended long ago. The results of tobacco use are laying in our hospitals, morgues and cemeteries. The proof of what tobacco use does to us is in all the individuals dying of its use.
No one is denying anymore the harm tobacco use causes. Not even the tobacco industry. How can you compare advertising the medical results of tobacco use to the advertising of political thoughts on Israel or Schita?