Should turban-wearing Sikhs be forced to wear a helmet?

36 Comments

  • little jake - 6 years ago

    I believe they should wear helmets
    We are not forcing them to ride a motorcycle so they should still have to abide by our laws

  • Trevor - 6 years ago

    Who cares?

    If they want to dash their brains all over the road, that's their affair. And so much the better because I see all motorcyclists as potential organ donors anyway.

  • glen - 10 years ago

    Well that's what you get for believeing a liberal lol put helmet on lol when will you people stop believing anything a liberal say's lol

  • Lyn - 10 years ago

    You forgot the army, don't want to wear a brain bucket, as my dad would call it (I wonder why??? )

  • john - 10 years ago

    Here is a solution no one has to wear a helmet. First the turbans in the RCMP then the dagger now the helmets. Whats next, wake up people.

  • Brett - 10 years ago

    Nobody should be forced to wear a helmet

  • Lyn - 10 years ago

    I don't care if your pink, black, blue or white!! , I don't care where you were born!! I don't care if you come from outer space!! I don't even care if you don't have the common sense to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle !!! WHAT I do care about is when you live in the same country I live in you follow the same darn laws and regulations I have to..........because QUESS WHAT!!!!!!!!! "YOUR not SPECIAL!!" WE ALL ARE --- ". EQUAL". So please..........I'm fighting for Canada,

  • Ian - 10 years ago

    Having a brother who has crashed on motorcycles and destroyed few helmets. As a law for bike riders, it really is fundamental common sense. This angle they are taking for accomodation is frankly absurd. These people need to give their heads a shake and accept and accomodate the society that now accepts them. No helmet no ride.

  • Anne - 10 years ago

    C'mon people. It was a decision that has been taken. Some people are not happy with it. You can never please everyone but why all this HATE? And Mr. Roland, you are so ignorant. There is a big difference between Muslims and Sikhs. This article is about Sikhs, why bring up Muslims?

  • Namad - 10 years ago

    All these hateful messages about having sikhs "return to their country" are appalling. Ever stop and think that Canada may be their country as well? Those telling 'them' to go back to their land have no more right to stay here than they do. Regardless of origin, this nation is built on immigration. The only people this country truly belongs to is the Aboriginal people and we are all aware of the history and struggles they have gone through and are going through. From a safety standpoint the decision makes sense. I get it. But what's with all the hate? It's very unsettling to see fellow Canadians full of so much prejudice and ignorance. I apologize on behalf of them to any and all those who may be hurt in any way by these comments. Furthermore, what is a Canadian? Those putting forth such hate are definitely NOT Canadian. We are a tolerant, diverse nation that is supposed to be accepting of others. Despite religion we are all part of ONE HUMAN RACE. There is such unrest and violence occurring in so many parts of the world. We should all be grateful for living in such a peaceful part of the world instead of hiding behind computers and spreading all this negativity. It is not MY country or YOUR country. It is OUR COUNTRY.

  • Bonnie Cirillo - 10 years ago

    One other point that I forgot to mention, he talks about equal rights, well how is it equal rights if they don't have to wear a helmet and everyone else riding a bike has to or they get a ticket. That's exempting only some from wearing a helmet and that's not equal rights.

  • Bonnie Cirillo - 10 years ago

    It's about time someone stood up and made the right decision. Thank you Kathleen Wynne for that. This country has been changing far too many things to accommodate these immigrants instead of saying Canada is our country and you will abide by our rules or go back to wherever you came from and try changing things there.

  • Jo - 10 years ago

    I find All religious clothing, particularly head dress fascinating. However I cannot imagine Having to wear any clothing for my religion...that may compromise my safety ....I don't think any gods would pass that law...There are plenty of spots where a motorcycle hemet is not required....the United States I believe and some provinces....and frankly if you get in a motorcycle accident your often Nutella on the road regardless. But Cansda and it's citizens have shown time after time we like to try to keep our folks as safe as possible... So if you decide your religion won't allow sans turban then carry on... You may get charged or you may not. P.S. How does the turban Not unravel going at windy motorcycle speeds? I love some of the colours of turbans can you imagine one ribboning/unravelling down the highway...that could be dangerous for us drivers of the other vehicles.
    Jo. Sigh

  • Thian Ro - 10 years ago

    I am a recent immigrant and have PR Status. I always tell myself to obey the Canadian Law. I had studied some Canadian Law about Right and Responsibilities.

    My advice to Canadians (not by naturalization and born of naturalize parents), please don't be deceived by all these type of nonsense.

    If not, Canada will be like a lawless nation where a particular group of people were given privileges and accommodations based on their religions and customs.

    I ask a questions to all Canadians (not by naturalization and born of naturalize parents),

    Do you expect new and old immigrants to obey the Canadian Law? Yes or No

    OR

    Do you want your Canadian Law to be changed or make accommodations according to a particular group of people based on their religion and customs?

    What do you expect from new immigrants - Obey the Canadian Law or Make accommodations based on their religion and customs?

    Be awake Canadian.

    Thanks

  • Martha - 10 years ago

    Obey Canadian laws or go back to your own country! Simple as that...

  • Janey - 10 years ago

    You want to live in Canada RESPECT our laws!!!! So tired of this shit!

  • Allison Bitu - 10 years ago

    Maybe all their hair and all that material is actually safer than a helmet...just saying...LMAO....its the Canadian Law...abide by it or don't ride a bike!!!

  • Mac - 10 years ago

    Riding a motorcycle is a privilege not a right. If you can't abide all the laws and procedures of riding one safety then you shouldn't have the privilege to do so. I'm actually astonished that certain people actually had the right not to wear a hamlet because they said it interfered with their religion. Canada needs to stop bending over backwards for immigrants and start cracking down on these thinks like Australia is doing now.

  • Barry - 10 years ago

    If this is so strongly felt by ALL SIKHS, they why aren't ALL SIKHS forced into wearing TURBANS. It is a choice, and so is wearing a Motorcycle Helmet. I know MANY SIKHS that choose NOT to wear Turbans and they are accepted within their community. This is NOT being PREJUDICE, it is being smart, is wearing a Helmet safer when on a BIKE (MOTORCYCLE OR OTHERWISE)????? YES!!!! So, wear one.

  • Lyn. - 10 years ago

    Oooopppp's that is suppose to say " it shouldn't surprise you , we have all been bending over and taking it for so long" Sorry,

  • Douglas - 10 years ago

    Woah. They guy they interviewed has serious entitlement issues. He is outraged that he can't do things that nobody else in canada is allowed to.

    “It’s just like we’re at the mercy of the majority that they will pick and choose which rights we are entitled to and which rights we are not entitled to, and this is a classic example of that."

    You are entitled to the same rights as everyone else. You don't get special privileges and get to do things other people can't just because of what you believe. Protective head gear is required when riding a motorbike. Nobody gets special treatment and rights nobody else gets.

  • Lyn - 10 years ago

    Take a minute and look up "Europe and it's take on multiculturalism" on google, They are fore warning us on this very topic, most of the countries are changing their believes and laws now because they see the damage it's doing to their countries and peoples rights, LOOK it up, it shouldn't surprise you we've all been taking it over for so long , It's. Time to think about Canada and our future,

  • Roxanne Inkster - 10 years ago

    They need to follow our laws.and not change them. If everybody did this what kind of country would we have. We have laws but we also have rights but in certain situation you cant always throw religion into it .

  • Pat - 10 years ago

    You allow this exemption and then where will it stop. Next it will be my they do not have to wear a helmet when he plays hockey or when he is playing baseball. When you come to Canada either respect our customs and laws or feel free to leave.

  • Samantha - 10 years ago

    They can either wear a helmet, or when they get in an accident they DIE because the helmet wasnt there to save the head trauma. The law shouldn't be changed just because they don't want to because of religion. Us as Canadians have had to give up so much just to please these people who come into OUR country and try to make it theirs. If you dont like the laws, go back to your own country because we didnt ask you to come here and change our country.

    Helmets are the law, and you can either accept that, or get charged or die because of your stupidity

  • Lyn - 10 years ago

    Your missing the point guys no one is Forcing anyone to wear a helmet , ITS the flippin law, Everyone is to do!! I Like to wear my hair in a pony tail can I go to court next and say it's against my rights because I want to wear my hair the way I want to!! Get real, Just so you know NO a hospital can't bill them for JUST head injuries , that's just plain stupid, What about the person that hits this person and kills them, can you imagine the court cases and law suits, WOW.

  • Mike - 10 years ago

    So many hateful comments. Sikhs are born in this country every day. They didn't all just come here because they were dissatisfied with their own country and wanted to come and change ours. So many generalizations from people commenting on this story everywhere i have seen it today. TBH I dont think anybody should be FORCED to do anything. If a person is injured in an accident and making the choice to not wear a helmet, then it is noted in the accident rreport and they are billed for any injuries related to the head, otherwise they are covered. The government needs to stop legislating everyones safety and Darwin will take care of the rest.
    As for the person that thinks all laws should be applied universally... how about the no handheld electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. Now watch your local police lead by example.

  • Brian - 10 years ago

    I can understand and appreciate the religious side, but if they're not forced to wear a helmet, then it has to be at their own risk. If I was an insurer, there would be a clause stating no coverage or claim against injury or death involving the head. But the safest decision is enforcing the helmet law.

  • Lyn - 10 years ago

    This 91% plus vote is the reason why my husband says we the tax payers of Canada should all have a little devise on our phones and we vote on these issues once a week. ".Real Canadians making decisions for real Canadians "

  • Roland Besner - 10 years ago

    Hey, muslims get with it. Do you have to wear seat belts while driving a car? Rules are for everybody's safety mine included while riding my 1700cc.

    Perhaps you could get DOT approval on your turbans thus eliminating going to the gov't to bend the rules
    just for your community.

    We have laws in Canada and it is for the safety of Canadians yourselves included so do like a Canadian and live by its laws.

  • Chad - 10 years ago

    Are you kidding me... oh my religion BS again... look... you came to our country for whatever reason. We have done our best to accommodate your beliefs and culture to help you feel welcome in OUR country. NOW... enough is enough... helmet laws are there for a reason... YOUR SAFETY PERIOD! This has nothing to do with violating your religious beliefs or traditions ... it is the LAW plain and simple. If you find OUR laws too much for you to handle then feel free to pack up your belongings and head right back to where you came from. Respect our country and it's laws or leave.

  • Lynne - 10 years ago

    For those who decided to move to Canada, they are required to follow Canadian laws. If you are not happy about our laws, please feel free to return to wherever you came from.

  • Mr CSharp - 10 years ago

    If the turban meets the following certifications for helmets, then I'd say it's a go:

    "
    U.S. DOT certification based on FMVSS 218
    SNELL M2010 certification (see below)
    ECE Regulation 22.05 certification (see below)

    Even though all provinces within Canada set their own rules and regulations for use of motorcycle helmets by riders and passengers, all provinces will accept any of the three standards listed above. Some will accept other certifications from around the world, so check with your provincial authority to get an accurate and up-to-date list.

    All Canadian provinces require a motorcycle helmet for rider and passenger irrespective of age or training.
    "

    If everyone can throw a towel around their heads or ride with a bicycle helmet instead of an approved certified helmet for motorcycles, there'd be a lot more road kills. These laws and certifications are there to protect the individual and the passengers on these types of vehicles. Laws shouldn't just apply to a majority of the people or groups of people. Laws should be applied universally. Religious believes is always left out of laws and governing bodies because religious believes differ from person to person. If a governing body starts introducing different laws just to please one group, other groups are going to come up with their own thing and so on. Then, there will be no law to enforce anything and you end up in places like India, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Congo, etc...

  • Robert - 10 years ago

    No one is coercing Sihks to do anything. The fact of the matter is, if ANYONE, regardless of creed MUST wear a helmet wile operating a class 6 or class 8 vehicles. This is not a necessity at all. If anything at all, their creed stands in their way of legally operating these vehicles in this country.

  • Lyn - 10 years ago

    I can't not believe people move to this country because of all the unpleasantries in their own country and then call it unfair when they are expected to live by the laws of this land!!!! If you don't like Canada's laws and regulations then PLEASE feel free to go back to your mother land/ counrty and live that wonderful live. My family was all born and raised here " all four generations" We have to follow the law, We except you coming here and are expected to be tolerant of your religion and celebrations. I'm not aloud to say MERRY CHRISTMAS any more as it might offend some other person of a different religious status then mine, But you believe you should be able to come here and change things to your religious ways, I can honestly say I am getting a little tired of all this, Maybe we can all just be "CANADIAN " and celebrate this wonderful and beautiful country instead of trying to change it " WELCOME TO CANADA,

  • Desmond - 10 years ago

    "Should turban-wearing Sikhs be forced to wear a helmet?"

    What a poorly phrased question. No one is forcing anyone to do anything. Perhaps, "Should turban-wearing Sikhs be granted an exception to the law which requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet?"

    No one is forced to wear a helmet; riding a motorcycle is a choice, not a right or a necessity. In a society where (in most cases) the public purse picks up the cost of injury treatment, then the government should adopt reasonable safety rules, in everyone's interest.

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