If a person's behavior has a toxic effect on the health of others, then society (and I) reserve the right to discriminate in public accommodations. Let's not forget that lung cancer kills more people each year than heart disease, colon cancer, and breast cancer combined. And about 20% of those killed are non-smokers. (these figures were just on NBC news after the death of Dana Reeve from lung cancer).

Also as a part of the conversation, I admitted that most smokers are respectful when it comes to following policies and laws that limit the places where one can freely smoke. In Washington, smoking has been banned in all indoor public spaces. Reaction from smokers has been muted - because most smokers are intelligent. They know smoking adversely affects the health of others. This woman asserted "I am a nice person." I noticed that she did not describe herself as intelligent.

I am willing to give up the possibility of booking some cabins on a ship just like I am willing to avoid certain hotel rooms in order to eliminate lingering second hand smoke and odors in the room where I sleep. I don't think it's unreasonable for smokers to limit their habit to select cabins or hotel rooms. But I freely admit such rules are discriminatory - and totally justified. 

Discrimination against another person is wrong only when it is for arbitrary reasons such as skin color or gender which have no effect on health or well being of others. I also think it's wrong when a person makes personal choices that have no impact on the ability of others to lead a happy and healthy life (such as hair color, dress, or religion). Smokers, clearly, can be subject to discrimination when it comes to where they practice their habit. The laws in every state of the US back me up on this. In fact most hotels discriminate against smokers now, limiting their choice of rooms. I don't understand why cruiselines can't do the same.

 

This same woman became extremely offended, stating, "I am hurt by your rigidity. I am sick of being lectured by people with your attitude." So apparently, wanting cruise ships to have non-smoking cabins like hotels is rigid and a sign of a bad attitude! Basically, she stormed off in a huff. This is the part where I try not to laugh at her tantrum.

 

Get used to the discrimination lady. The day when smokers can freely practice a habit that negatively affects everyone else's health are over.  Smoking in indoor public spaces is now illegal in Ireland, Italy, California, Washington and a growing number of states and countries. Self-pitying smokers can whine and complain and throw a tantrum. But the 75% of us who don't smoke aren't willing to put smokers "rights" ahead of our health any longer.

 

Life's tough when you're addicted! Get used to it.