Generally, I would agree with you. But the ban mentioned in the articles covers the sidewalks, alleys, and pedestrian spaces of a downtown area. Downtown areas are usually crowded, so even though it's outside the likelihood of inhaling someone's smoke is more than negligible.
If the ban covered parks or suburban areas I would agree with you. After all, if the nonsmoker is bothered they can just go to another park bench. In a downtown area, though, I don't know if it's fair to expect someone to cross the street to avoid the smoker standing on the sidewalk in front of a bar.
I simply have to ask, "Do you live in a self-created bubble, detached from the real world?"
How you can give any gravitas to walking by someone who is smoking truly bewilders me. Do you see it as a death sentence for you or anyone else? Or, do you just object to the smell?
My oldest daughter was born with Stargardt's disease which left her legally blind at age eight. She works as an auditor and must use public transportation. Being in close contact with people who exude garlic breath is sickening to her. (Who isn't repelled by it?)
Should eating garlic-flavored foods be against the law?
You have got to be kidding me.