Today the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) denounced Introduced Resolution 1714, which would ban Suffolk teens under the age of 18 from using a sun-bed.
John Overstreet, executive director of the ITA issued the following statement regarding the bill:
It is inconsistent and illogical for a teen in Suffolk to be banned from using a sun-bed. And it is outrageous that their parents could be stripped of the ability to decide whether or not their children should be able to tan indoors.
With parental consent a 17 year old Suffolk teen can serve and die for his or her country by joining the military. At 16 a teen living in Suffolk is entrusted with the ability to operate a motor vehicle. 16 and 17 years olds in New York State can even get married as long as their parents consent.
It defies common sense that a Suffolk parent could send their son or daughter off to war, to drive the dangerous New York highways, or to navigate the murky emotional waters of marriage -- but they can't make the decision as to whether or not their child can get an indoor tan. Apparently, that's a job for the Suffolk legislature.
Furthermore, Suffolk's proposed ban on the use of tanning beds by 18 year olds, regardless of parental consent, expressly conflicts with New York state law, which specifically permits 14 to 18 year olds to use tanning beds as long as they have written consent from a parent. Under the state's "Preemption Doctrine," this law, if enacted by the Suffolk legislature, would be totally invalid.
With this bill the legislature is overstepping its bounds as it deeply intrudes in people's personal decisions. The ultraviolet light from a tanning bed is no different from the ultraviolet light from the sun. What's next, banning everyone under 18 from the beach?