Anti-bikie laws will smear other motorcycle riders in Tasmania, rally hears
Updated
Photo: Doris Smith tells the rally motorcyclists should not be tarred with the same brush. (ABC News: Laura Beavis)
Proposed laws which would ban the wearing of designated outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) colours in Tasmania would tar other bike riders with the same brush, opponents say.
More than 100 motorcycle riders gathered in Devonport on Sunday to protest against the laws.
The riders are concerned the crackdown could convince the community that law-abiding motorcycle riders are potential criminals.
"I'm not saying all bikers are good, there's bad eggs, definitely, but you can't tar them all with the one brush," Doris Smith, who organised the gathering, said.
She opposed banning any club colours, including those of OMCGs.
Photo: A petition opposing the laws has attracted more than 8,000 signatures. (ABC News: Laura Beavis)
"Any bike rider will look like a criminal in my opinion — we want to go for a ride and not get harassed," Ms Smith said.
A petition Ms Smith started opposing the proposed laws has attracted more than 8,000 signatures.
Tasmanian Motorcycle Club president Paul Bullock said most of the state's licensed motorcyclists would share Ms Smith's concerns.
"It goes to all motorcyclists, and there's 50,000 licensed riders in Tasmania, so that's 14 per cent of the voting population," he said.
"There's bad people in all organisations, it doesn't matter whether it's police, lawyers, or clergymen.
"Do you tar the whole lot with one brush? I don't think so."
Some OMCG members, including Rebels and Bandidos, attended the rally.
'Nothing to fear' for most bike riders
Police Minister Michael Ferguson urged Tasmanians to read the proposed laws for themselves and have their say before public consultation closes on May 11.
"I think a lot of people will be shocked at just the level of organised crime and drug empires that are built up using a small number of clubs as their distribution network," he said.
"Most of the motorcycle groups in our state who are law-abiding groups have absolutely nothing to fear because they won't be affected."
The proposed law would also ban OMCG members convicted of serious crimes from associating with other gang members in public and private.
Photo: The Rebels are among the outlaw gangs which would be targeted by the new laws. (ABC News: Laura Beavis)
In a statement, Tasmania Police said OMCGs were significantly involved in importing and selling illegal drugs in Tasmania. It insisted law-abiding riders would not be affect.
"The new colours prohibition laws are targeting members of Tasmania's main criminal motorcycle gangs: Rebels, Bandidos, Outlaws, Devil's Henchmen and Black Uhlans," the statement said.
"Motorcycle clubs like the Motorcycle Riders Association, Tasmanian Motorcycle Council, Harley Owners Group, Ulysses Club, God Squad and Vietnam Veterans etc won't be affected.
"The proposed consorting legislation would only apply to criminals convicted of serious offences who, based on evidence, continue to associate with other criminals."