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CHICAGO, Oct 30, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- An Illinois state lawmaker wants to ban obesity suits against fast-food chains.
Rep. John Fritchey, a Chicago Democrat, said he realizes obesity is a major problem that must be dealt with. But at the same time, he adds, "There's an issue of personal responsibility involved, and we have to acknowledge that."
Fritchey plans to introduce in January legislation he calls "the Illinois Commonsense Consumption Act" -- the latest push by the restaurant industry to limit its legal exposure from a wave of obesity-related lawsuits across the country, the Chicago Sun Times said.
Congress is already considering at least two measures that would do essentially what Fritchey would like to see in Illinois. Louisiana is the only state to adopt such a law, which it did last year.
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
