Petition Text: 22731-CS-NonDis-O

Understanding Petition Numbers

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Whereas, more children alive today will die from tobacco use than from any other single cause--including AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, murders, suicides, illegal drugs, and fires combined; and

Whereas, child smoking rates are rising, with the number of eighth graders who smoke increasing 30% between 1991 and 1994; and

Whereas, every day, another 3,000 American children start to smoke, nearly 1,000 of whom will die from lung cancer and other diseases caused by smoking; and

Whereas, the tobacco industry spends over $6 billion a year on advertisements and promotions that, whether intentional or not, have the effect of encouraging children to use tobacco products; and

Whereas, over 85% of the children who smoke use one of the three most heavily advertised cigarette brands (Marlboro, Camel, or Newport); and

Whereas, state and local laws restricting tobacco sales to minors have been largely ineffective;

Therefore, be it resolved, that this 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church go on record as supporting the common-sense goal of decreasing tobacco use by children by reducing the access and appeal of tobacco products to children; and

Be it further resolved, that this General Conference oppose efforts to enact legislation that would weaken or delay the president's proposal to decrease tobacco use by children.

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Petition Text: 22731-CS-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference