Oklahoma Update…
Protesters defy e-cig ban at state capitol
Vaping is no longer allowed on state property.
The Governor Mary Fallin’s executive order banning e-cigarettes went into effect Wednesday, but not without protest.
The ban is to promote public health, but some e-cig users say it will do just the opposite.
It’s now against the law to vape on state property, but that didn’t stop protesters from defying the ban Wednesday, outraged at what they consider an infringement on their personal freedom.
“I’ve met the governor once in my life,” said Ted King. “I really don’t think we’ve got the relationship where she can tell me how to live my life.”
The governor’s executive order adds e-cigs to the existing ban of tobacco products, a move she and state health leaders said was to protect the health of state employees and visitors.
Earlier this month, OK Health and Human Services Director Terry Cline said, “With e-cigarettes, it’s an unregulated product. We have no guarantees over what’s in the product itself.”
But many of the protesters dispute claims vaping is harmful and say e-cigs are helping them quit smoking.
” I can’t imagine how it would be in the public’s best interest to make these less accessible,” said Kaye Beach, who says she has gone from smoking a pack a day to barely at all since she started vaping.
Another protester, Michael Rharll, said, “You want choices. You want to help people quit, then help them quit. Don’t take away their choices Don’t limit their choices.”
It’s not just about health. When the governor signed the order in December, she stated the existing smoking ban would be easier to enforce. In part of her statement she said, “Many electronic cigarettes look like traditional cigarettes and emit a vapor that looks like smoke. This creates confusion for employees and visitors….”
“It just doesn’t add up. and when something doesn’t add up… you know there’s a rat in the woodpile somewhere,” said State Representative Richard Morrissette, the only lawmaker to join protesters, upset the governor chose to bypass legislative approval.
“Follow the money,” said Rep. Morrissette. “As this story progresses, we will learn where this executive order originated from. I doubt it has anything to do with health initiatives. It has to do with special interests talking in her ear.”
Governor Mary Fallin has encouraged all employees to take advantages of resources to quit smoking and using e-cigarettes. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline number is (800) 784-8669 (or (800) QUIT NOW) or you can visit http://www.ok.gov/helpline/.
Originally written By: Wendy Suares, Primetime Anchor
