Smoke-free ordinance

As a pastor, I support a smoke-free ordinance.

It may seem unexpected for a member of the faith-based community to support an ordinance that involves casinos and bars but the truth of the matter is that we know some of our church members work and patronize these establishments and they should be protected from secondhand smoke.

Prior to joining the ministry, I was a health administrator for many years in Chicago and saw firsthand the effects of secondhand smoke. As a pastor, I have had to bury many individuals whose lives were cut short due to tobacco exposure.

Some of those who oppose this ordinance say this is an issue of personal choice. But one person’s choice to smoke in a public place is another hard-working employee’s lack of choice to be exposed to secondhand smoke.

Individuals that like to gamble or drink will go to these establishments. And, people who need steady employment will work there. Although the faith-based community isn’t publicly supporting the gaming and bar industries, we understand that all things can be used for good. Working hard to make a living is a noble activity.

God cares about His laborers and all businesses should too.

– Dr. Willie Gable, Jr.
President
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of New Orleans

This article originally published in the January 26, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.