What would it look like if a Member of Parliament smoked an electronic cigarette during a parliamentary session? And what if it happened amidst a discussion on public health? This is not just a hypothetical question but an actual incident. An MP from Colombia found herself at the centre of controversy after vaping during a debate on health policies. The uproar forced the MP to issue a public apology.

Cathy Juvinao, an MP from the Green Alliance Party, faced criticism for her actions. On December 17, during a parliamentary session in Bogotá, Cathy was caught on camera taking a puff from an e-cigarette. The incident was recorded, and the footage quickly went viral.

Cathy took the puff just before addressing the assembly. She did it swiftly, attempting to go unnoticed, and then expertly hid the e-cigarette. However, the camera captured the act, sparking outrage, especially given the context of the discussion—a debate on improving Colombia’s health policies.

The video of Cathy vaping in Parliament was widely shared on social media, leading to severe criticism. In response, the MP apologised publicly, acknowledging her mistake and promising not to repeat it. Through her social media post, Cathy expressed regret for her actions, stating that she understood the gravity of her misstep.