Goose916
Member
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2010
- Location
- san francisco
- Moto(s)
- ATK 605 ES/DS; Husaberg fs650c; Ducati Scrambler; RD350
I thought this was interesting. I grew up around a lot of 1% types (God-father was the Sargeant at Arms in a fairly "notorious" club). Anyway, lots of establishments would not let you fly your colors when entering. Frankly, given the close proximity to other clubs in the area, it was probably a good idea.
However, since moving here, there are lots of clubs with "colors" that pose lil or no threat of "gang" type violence. At worst, they may show up in kilts and show ya if the rumor is true or do a burn out/wheelie/stoppie or other hooliganish activity in front of your place of business. Anyway, there's a bill proposed to outlaw discrimination due to "colors." Do you think this is warranted.
I don't think you SHOULD judge a book by it's cover. However, I also believe that a private business is allowed to have it's own rules so long as they don't infringe on your Constitutional liberties. For your consideration:
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingn...miklosi-champions-bill-prevent-discrimination
"A Colorado lawmaker running for Congress is proposing legislation that adds "unconventional attire" to the list of prohibited forms of discrimination in public establishments, potentially angering law enforcement officials and private business owners.
State Rep. Joe Miklosi , a Denver Democrat, who is championing HB 1128, says that often motorcycle clubs are unfairly discriminated against for donning apparel such as jackets with patches — also known as colors — that show allegiance.
Miklosi is running against Mike Coffman, a two-term Republican congressman in Aurora, in the newly configured 6th Congressional District.
"It's a misuse of law that is not treating our citizens, who many of which are veterans of war, properly," Miklosi said. " As I've talked to motorcycle club members, I've learned about the passion and diversity of these groups. No matter what club you're in, you should be treated fairly and without discrimination."
Under current federal law, discrimination in public accommodation is prohibited on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or ancestry.
Yet establishments in Colorado can post signs that prohibit the "wearing of colors," and deny service to patrons who do not abide by this request.
Miklosi says the issue was brought to his attention by Denver resident Ray Hoskinson , a member of the Veterans of Vietnam America Motorcycle Club . Forty-two different motorcycle clubs are located in Colorado, and Hoskinson estimates that about 80 percent are run by veterans.
"There's vets who have given to the country, and there's actually some people that don't allow us to come into malls or restaurants just because they don't like what we're wearing," says Hoskinson, who also goes by the moniker Nite Train , crafted after the 2006 Harley Night Train he rides. "It's a First Amendment right to wear it."
Hoskinson says he's never been personally discriminated against, but says a handful of members from his club have.
Similar bills that prohibit discrimination based on "unconventional attire," — deemed as as dress that indicates participation in motorcycling or membership in a motorcycling organization — has passed legislatures in other states.
Miklosi says that his main opponent to the legislation is law enforcement, though he has had positive conversations with a handful of departments.
Hoskinson noted that there's some clubs that do cause trouble, but that the majority of motorcycle clubs are not like that.
"We like to use the saying that 'all bikers are not trouble makers, just like not all muslims are not terrorists,'" he said.
The bill will go before the House State, Veterans & Military Affairs committee Wednesday"
However, since moving here, there are lots of clubs with "colors" that pose lil or no threat of "gang" type violence. At worst, they may show up in kilts and show ya if the rumor is true or do a burn out/wheelie/stoppie or other hooliganish activity in front of your place of business. Anyway, there's a bill proposed to outlaw discrimination due to "colors." Do you think this is warranted.
I don't think you SHOULD judge a book by it's cover. However, I also believe that a private business is allowed to have it's own rules so long as they don't infringe on your Constitutional liberties. For your consideration:
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingn...miklosi-champions-bill-prevent-discrimination
"A Colorado lawmaker running for Congress is proposing legislation that adds "unconventional attire" to the list of prohibited forms of discrimination in public establishments, potentially angering law enforcement officials and private business owners.
State Rep. Joe Miklosi , a Denver Democrat, who is championing HB 1128, says that often motorcycle clubs are unfairly discriminated against for donning apparel such as jackets with patches — also known as colors — that show allegiance.
Miklosi is running against Mike Coffman, a two-term Republican congressman in Aurora, in the newly configured 6th Congressional District.
"It's a misuse of law that is not treating our citizens, who many of which are veterans of war, properly," Miklosi said. " As I've talked to motorcycle club members, I've learned about the passion and diversity of these groups. No matter what club you're in, you should be treated fairly and without discrimination."
Under current federal law, discrimination in public accommodation is prohibited on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or ancestry.
Yet establishments in Colorado can post signs that prohibit the "wearing of colors," and deny service to patrons who do not abide by this request.
Miklosi says the issue was brought to his attention by Denver resident Ray Hoskinson , a member of the Veterans of Vietnam America Motorcycle Club . Forty-two different motorcycle clubs are located in Colorado, and Hoskinson estimates that about 80 percent are run by veterans.
"There's vets who have given to the country, and there's actually some people that don't allow us to come into malls or restaurants just because they don't like what we're wearing," says Hoskinson, who also goes by the moniker Nite Train , crafted after the 2006 Harley Night Train he rides. "It's a First Amendment right to wear it."
Hoskinson says he's never been personally discriminated against, but says a handful of members from his club have.
Similar bills that prohibit discrimination based on "unconventional attire," — deemed as as dress that indicates participation in motorcycling or membership in a motorcycling organization — has passed legislatures in other states.
Miklosi says that his main opponent to the legislation is law enforcement, though he has had positive conversations with a handful of departments.
Hoskinson noted that there's some clubs that do cause trouble, but that the majority of motorcycle clubs are not like that.
"We like to use the saying that 'all bikers are not trouble makers, just like not all muslims are not terrorists,'" he said.
The bill will go before the House State, Veterans & Military Affairs committee Wednesday"
