Smoker protection law

Map of US Smoker Protection Laws by State

Smoker protection laws are statutes and regulations designed to protect individuals who smoke tobacco from discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment and housing. These laws vary significantly by jurisdiction and are often part of broader labor law or civil rights legislation.

Overview

Smoker protection laws aim to prevent discrimination against smokers, ensuring that they are not unfairly treated solely based on their smoking habits. These laws can cover a range of protections, including:

• **Employment**: Prohibiting employers from refusing to hire, firing, or otherwise discriminating against employees who smoke outside of work hours.
• **Housing**: Preventing landlords from denying housing to individuals based on their status as smokers.
• **Insurance**: Restricting insurance companies from charging higher premiums solely based on an individual's smoking status.

Employment Protections

In the context of employment, smoker protection laws typically prevent employers from making hiring or firing decisions based on an employee's smoking habits, provided that the smoking does not interfere with job performance or workplace safety. Some jurisdictions may also require employers to provide designated smoking areas or breaks for employees who smoke.

Housing Protections

Smoker protection laws in housing ensure that individuals are not denied rental properties or evicted solely because they smoke. These laws recognize that smoking is a legal activity and aim to prevent discrimination in the housing market.

Insurance Protections

In the realm of insurance, smoker protection laws may limit the ability of insurance companies to impose higher premiums on smokers. These laws are designed to ensure that smokers are not disproportionately burdened by higher costs for health, life, or other types of insurance.

Jurisdictional Variations

The specifics of smoker protection laws can vary widely between different countries, states, and municipalities. Some regions may have comprehensive protections in place, while others may have limited or no protections for smokers. It is important for individuals to be aware of the laws in their specific jurisdiction.

Criticism and Controversy

Smoker protection laws are often subject to debate and controversy. Critics argue that these laws can undermine public health efforts to reduce smoking rates and may place undue burdens on employers and landlords. Proponents, however, argue that smokers should not face discrimination for engaging in a legal activity and that these laws protect individual rights.

See also

• Smoking ban
• Tobacco control
• Public health law
• Civil rights
• Labor law