Howdy everyone:
this is effective......... yesterday I tried to download NY State statutes in the criminal code looking for criminal defamation statutes.(without success) The bald faced lie that smokers murder thousands of non smokers every year fits the criteria for violation of this state law that exists in every state.The law includes individuals or groups of people that are singled out by any matter for disgrace ridicule and contempt by the general public as a result of the defaming matter is usually a gross misdemeanor.
Our civil law obligates the police department and the county attorney of the jurisdiction where the defamation takes place to investigate and prosecute the slanderers.
You do not need an attorney, one just needs to file a police report of the incident, Newspaper ad Radio ad or any matter used violates the civil rights of the citizen.
If a county attorney is playmates with the antis and refuses to investigate, because this is a statutory law one may complain of denial of civil rights for equal protection under the law.
Remember that no one in the U.S has made this challenge to the criminal defamation statements made by the anti's that make the mistake of believing they are above the law.
Make our laws work for us ,file a police report the next time you feel the sting of ridicule and contempt by the lies told about second hand smoke. We have been too accommodating for too long, Demand equal justice.
Now, some of the more blatant and criminal speech, such as calling smokers "murderers", may not be protected. But, this may just lead to the stifling of more speech.