Navajo president vetoes ban on public tobacco

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—The president of the Navajo Nation has vetoed a ban on smoking and chewing tobacco in public places.

Tribal President Joe Shirley Jr. says he rejected the measure Thursday because he feared it would infringe on religious ceremonies and inhibit gambling revenue.

He also says the measure didn't focus enough on underage smoking.

Tribal lawmakers passed the ban last month in the Navajo capital in Arizona. Supporters say they hope to work with tribal lawmakers to override the veto.