On Thursday, the state Assembly passed a package of anti-tobacco bills, including measures that would increase the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 in California. The Assembly approved a measure prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes in theaters, restaurants, and other public areas where traditional smoking is not allowed.

Lawmakers have approved six bills, citing the health risks of tobacco. They have sent the bills to the state Senate, which had earlier acted on the smoking-age and vaping bills, but now, have to vote on small amendments.

According to Republicans, it’s not fair to take away the decision on smoking from youngsters eligible for marriage, vote, joining military and signing contracts.

Republican leader Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley, while opposing the bill, said that an individual has the right to give life, but can’t purchase a pack of cigarettes.

Many veterans groups have also opposed the bill, leading Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) to alter the bill for exempting the ones below 21 active in the military service.

Many have seen the measure by Sen. Ed Hernandez as taking away rights to get into a legal activity, no matter it could harm the consumer.

Assemblyman Adam Gray (D-Merced), who chaired the committee that stopped a similar bill, said that 18-year-old adults, who are eligible to join the military and can avail all the privileges of adults, can take a decision on their own. He is among the four Democrats who haven’t supported the bill.

Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) said, “Supporters overcame ‘significant’ lobbying by the tobacco industry to approve the most far-reaching package of legislation related to tobacco in more than 50 years”.