4/29/11: Navajo Nation Department of Justice review determines President's Executive Order that bans smoking in workplaces and public places can only apply to the Executive Branch.
On April 29, 2011 The Navajo Nation Department of Justice reviewed Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly’s April 26, 2011 Executive Order, and issued a legal opinion that the President’s Executive Order can only apply to the Executive Branch. The Order would have prohibited smoking 100% in all public places and workplaces on the Navajo Nation, including the casinos. The Order does not restrict the use of ceremonial tobacco. Read Forbes newsclip. Even though on April 29, 2011 the Navajo Nation Department of Justice overturned most of President Shelly’s April 26, 2011 Executive Order, the U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona issued an April 28, 2011 letter of support to President Shelly, commending President Shelly for protecting people from secondhand smoke. Read a press release about the Executive Order, and Section 1 of the Executive Order that specifically includes "gaming facilities", which will be required to be 100% smokefree.
Last update: 5/3/11