A couple was planning to start a new life in a
new country but was told by the government
of New Zealand that she and her husband may have to look elsewhere for
a place to live, because she is too fat to be allowed into the country.
The couple were informed that New Zealand bars overweight people because of the potential burden they pose to the national health care system.
According to New Zealand Robyn Toomath, spokesman of "Fight the Obesity Epidemic" a New Zealand organization dealing with the problems posed by overweight people: "The immigration department can't afford to import people who are going to be a significant drain on our health resources.
You can read the full story here.
What do you think of New Zealand's actions? Are they too harsh and restrict the freedoms of people? or does it send a good message that being overweight is unhealthy and a burden on other people?
The couple were informed that New Zealand bars overweight people because of the potential burden they pose to the national health care system. According to New Zealand Robyn Toomath, spokesman of "Fight the Obesity Epidemic" a New Zealand organization dealing with the problems posed by overweight people: "The immigration department can't afford to import people who are going to be a significant drain on our health resources.
You can read the full story here.
What do you think of New Zealand's actions? Are they too harsh and restrict the freedoms of people? or does it send a good message that being overweight is unhealthy and a burden on other people?
If I could stop fat people from eating from my banquet buffet lines, we would save a lot of money.
http://soyouwanttobeabanquetmanager.blogspot.com
Okay, what about smokers? They are just as much of a burden on the health care system. Also those who drink too much. That's up to them if they want to bar those who put their health at risk but it seems silly and unfair to discriminate against obese people alone
Good point, Anne. I looked up to see if New Zealand has any laws about drinking and smoking. The only thing I could find in a quick search was ...
New Zealand has become the third country in the world after Ireland and Norway to ban smoking in pubs and restaurants.
The legislation extends a 1990 ban on smoking in offices, shops and public buildings to pubs, clubs, restaurants, casinos and school grounds.
Under the new law, bar and restaurant owners are liable to fines of up to 400 New Zealand dollars - about €213 - if they do not take reasonable steps to stop people smoking indoors.
I could only find articles where New Zealand is trying to ban alcohol at home, in public, etc but nothing official.