Comments on: Ontario Helmet Laws Discriminate Against Sikhs

By: MadHacktress

MadHacktress — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:59:47 +0000

I do see the point of the one law for all argument, and in situations where the greater public would be affected by it, I support that.

A year or so ago there was an issue with prenatal classes in Montreal being disrupted because Muslim, Sikh and Hindu men didn’t want their wives to be in mixed-gender classes. I disagree with that so long as the classes are paid for with public funds; private classes are welcome to do as they please.

The problem that I see with trying to rationalize forcing people to forgo their religious practises when they move to Canada is that it ends up sending the “if they wanted to do that, they should move back to their own country” message… which is a slippery slope, too. As long as laws of leeway, such as this one, do not harm anyone else, then let them be.

By: me

me — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 16:36:02 +0000

I think the point to all this is…one law for everyone…if we start having diferent laws for diferent people, we are pointing out the difference in our society, and inviting racism ….and anyway, let him drive a car…

By: MadHacktress

MadHacktress — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:59:41 +0000

Absolutely. If it is an intrinsic value of your religion that is not impactful on the safety and wellbeing of the rest of the population then, of course. If it could be proved that not wearing a helmet, or rather that wearing a turban, is inherently more dangerous than not (to other drivers) then I would revise my opinion.

By: Tom Robinson

Tom Robinson — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:51:11 +0000

I meant you would have to support me too, not MEN.

By: Tom Robinson

Tom Robinson — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:50:31 +0000

Just wondering….. If I’m just a normal white kid who wants to ride my motorcycle without a helmet, all I have to do is become a Sikh?

If I turn into a Sikh, you surely would have to support men, no?