New Zealand District Bans Back Patches

Apparently, the Wanganui District Council in New Zealand voted today to adopt a "no colors" policy across its entire domain, according to The Daily Telegraph...

http://www.news.com.au/..../0,22049,21564353-5006506,00.html

Districts in New Zealand are similar to the counties we have in the USA.

At issue is escalating warfare between rival motorcycle clubs, including a serious head-injury of a MC member last month where shots were fired...

Civil libertarians are horrified at the possibility of a law that would mean anyone wearing gang patches or regalia in a public place would get a $NZ5000 ($4400) fine.

The Bill would be aimed at those displaying gang regalia in the Wanganui shopping area, on beaches and in parks.

Banning the wearing of club patches won't stop gang warfare. Motorcycle club members can identify their association in other ways that the public doesn't recognize, but where other club members can easily identify.

If anything, not being clearly identified as a club member might cause other citizens to be confused as club members. Moreover, the general public will no longer know if they're walking among motorcycle club members.