D_Accord
Legacy Member
http://calgaryherald.com/news/local...ban-wearing-sikhs-from-motorcycle-helmet-laws
Turban-wearing Sikhs will be able to ride a motorcycle in Alberta without a helmet starting next month, the government announced Thursday.
The exemption for drivers and passengers over 18 is to take effect April 12. B.C. and Manitoba are the only other provinces with similar laws.
“The Sikh community has urged us to grant this exemption in recognition of its civil rights and religious expression,” Transportation Minister Brian Mason said in a statement.
Alberta is home to more than 52,000 members of the Sikh religion, according to 2011 census figures.
“The government should always strive to accommodate free expression, especially when the expression does not harm others who make this choice, nor further restricts the reasonable choices of its citizens. This case is not different in this regard,” said Kelly Ernst, president of the Rocky Mountain Civil Liberties Association.
In a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Sikh Motorcycle Club of Edmonton, Gurpreet Pandher described Thursday as a “milestone and memorable day” in Alberta’s history.
Parmeet Singh Boparai, the former president of the Dashmesh Culture Centre, said discussions have been taking place with the Alberta government on the exemption since 2015, and members of the community have been advocating for the change for years.
“It’s a big achievement for the community,” he said. “It gives us a platform to share our values, our beliefs and our look with other communities of Alberta.”
Boparai said he plans to become a motorcyclist once the helmet exemption is in effect.
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ah but if you're black/white/Asian/native... you still have to wear a helmet.
Turban-wearing Sikhs will be able to ride a motorcycle in Alberta without a helmet starting next month, the government announced Thursday.
The exemption for drivers and passengers over 18 is to take effect April 12. B.C. and Manitoba are the only other provinces with similar laws.
“The Sikh community has urged us to grant this exemption in recognition of its civil rights and religious expression,” Transportation Minister Brian Mason said in a statement.
Alberta is home to more than 52,000 members of the Sikh religion, according to 2011 census figures.
“The government should always strive to accommodate free expression, especially when the expression does not harm others who make this choice, nor further restricts the reasonable choices of its citizens. This case is not different in this regard,” said Kelly Ernst, president of the Rocky Mountain Civil Liberties Association.
In a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Sikh Motorcycle Club of Edmonton, Gurpreet Pandher described Thursday as a “milestone and memorable day” in Alberta’s history.
Parmeet Singh Boparai, the former president of the Dashmesh Culture Centre, said discussions have been taking place with the Alberta government on the exemption since 2015, and members of the community have been advocating for the change for years.
“It’s a big achievement for the community,” he said. “It gives us a platform to share our values, our beliefs and our look with other communities of Alberta.”
Boparai said he plans to become a motorcyclist once the helmet exemption is in effect.
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ah but if you're black/white/Asian/native... you still have to wear a helmet.
