Tribes spared in smoking ban

Publication Date: 2006-04-19

• Author:Chris Frates
• Publication:Denver Post

A legal review indicates the recently passed ban won't infringe upon American Indians' religious rites, but a lawmaker is still worried that a lawsuit will be filed.

A relieved House minority leader Tuesday put to rest the prospect of reopening debate on a controversial statewide smoking ban, saying a legal review indicates it will not infringe on American Indian religious ceremonies.

House Republican Leader Mike May of Parker, the ban's chief sponsor, said a legal review determined additional legislation would be unnecessary because federal law already protects those rights.