77-7 Resolution on Non-Smoker’s Rights
Many non-smokers suffer from the effects of second-hand smoke. All are adversely affected. This smoke not only has an odor that is unpleasant to most non-smokers, but it also contains many harmful chemicals. Some of these are tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, and hydrogen sulfide. The concentration of most of these chemicals, in a room full of tobacco smoke exceeds the maximum levels allowed for industry. The concentration in tobacco smoke of hydrogen cyanide, a poison that attacks respiratory enzymes is 160 times greater than the danger level for long term exposure, as reported by the American Lung Association. These chemicals are inhaled by the non-smoker in significant quantities.
Second-hand smoke triggers chronic diseases such as asthma and emphysema in many non-smokers. During and after exposure to second-hand smoke, many non-smokers experience such symptoms as watering and burning eyes, headaches, dizziness, and functioning at less than effective levels.
Non-smokers rights are also important. These are the rights as stated in “The Non-Smoker’s Bill of Rights.”
1) The Right to Breathe Clean Air. Non-smokers have the right to breathe clean air, free from harmful and irritating tobacco smoke. This right supersedes the right to smoke when the two conflict.
2) The Right to Speak Out. non-smokers have the right to express—firmly but politely—their discomfort and adverse reaction to tobacco smoke. They have the right to voice their objections when smokers light up without asking permission.
3) The Right To Act. Non-smokers have the right to take action through Legislative channels, social pressures or any other legitimate means—as individuals or groups—to prevent or discourage smokers from polluting the atmosphere and to seek the restriction of smoking in public places.*
As Christians, we eagerly practice fellowship, love, and responsibility concerning the well-being of our neighbors. As members of LSM-USA we do not seek to contribute to the discomfort and poor health of those who attend our function and help to co-ordinate them.
1) LSM-USA affirms “The Non-Smoker’s Bill of Rights.”*
2) Individual members practice consideration for non-smokers in their daily lives.
3) Smoking at National Conferences, retreats, and conventions of LSM-USA
a. be limited to hallways and out of doors.
b. be allowed in private rooms only if separate rooms are available for non-smokers who desire them.
c. Be excluded from meeting and eating facilities.
4) Smoking at National business and planning meetings of LSM-USA
a. be excluded from the meeting rooms.
b. be excluded from an established smoke-free sleeping area.
5) The presiding officer at the event accept the responsibility for informing the constituents of this resolution.
6) The co-ordinator of the event accept this responsibility if no officer presides.
7) LSM-USA encourage regions and local groups to adopt similar smoking restrictions at all their events.
*National Interagency on Smoking and Health
419 Park Avenue South
Room 130
New York, NY 10016
+ Non-smoking and smoking areas have been designated at all national conferences, business meetings, and planning meetings of LSM-USA.
+ Actions on a local and regional level have varied. The following excerpts from a Bible study presented by Chris Schonberg in the Queens College Lutheran Club Newsletter (New York, NY) are an example of how one group acted on this concern.
There’s a brown tract entitled, “Have you heard of the … Four Spiritual Laws?” Its purpose is to briefly explain the Gospel to non-believers in hope that they will accept Christ.
But many people see Christianity in terms of four other Spiritual Laws: No drinking, no smoking, no cursing, and no gambling. And a fifth is like unto them: No sex. Are they right? What does the Bible Say? Of course I can’t deal fully with all five, especially the last one, but a brief attempt will be made.
… Smoking: To my knowledge, the Bible says nothing directly about smoking; however, it would be well ton consider 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 3:16-17, as guidelines. Besides this, there are the scientific and interpersonal aspects of smoking which more or less show it’s not worth it.