The FDA’s proposal to ban teen tanning is unwarranted and disrespectful, Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) writes in an editorial published online Thursday.

“An outright ban on tanning takes away your freedom of choice, treats people like serfs, and is disrespectful,” Gosar writes. “Government policies like these leave no room for moderation, or for individuals to tailor their actions to their own individual needs. It usurps states rights and parental rights. The federal government has no business in your (tanning) bed. In short, it is an unnecessary intrusion by the federal government that should not be tolerated.”

As well representing overzealous government interference in his opinion, the Congressman from sunny Arizona notes that the virtues of UV exposure are not being considered. Even the federal government itself has previously offered a reasonable, balanced message: “Sun exposure is beneficial in moderation, but can be harmful in excess. Sun exposure guidance should be tailored to the individual patient,” researchers for the National Institute of Health have concluded. This proposal, however, seems to neglect that perspective.

Click here to read the article from Rep. Gosar.