Bikers uniting to outlaw discrimination

Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Bikers across the nation are revving up for a fight against discrimination after complaints that they are being shut out of restaurants and hotels because of their image as hell-raising thugs.

Lawmakers in Ohio, Georgia and several other states all considered bills this year that would ban discrimination against bikers. Minnesota passed the nation’s first such law three years ago.

Motorcyclists say the image of leather-clad bikers who rumble into town on their Harley-Davidsons and raise a ruckus is sadly outdated. Thad Coffman, general manager of Centennial Park Harley-Davidson in suburban Columbus, counts doctors, lawyers, bankers, judges and even a mayor among his customers, who can spend upward of $20,000 on a new Harley.

“To me it’s kind of like the back of the bus, it’s just discrimination for whatever reason,” said Georgia state Sen. Joey Brush, who rides a Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide and is pushing for a law to prevent biker discrimination.

In Ohio, state Rep. Sylvester Patton is arguing for a bill that would levy a $500 civil fine against a business found guilty of discriminating against a biker.

“For too long, citizens who enjoy riding motorcycles and who are participating in motorcycle clubs have been treated unfairly while trying to gain access or entry into Ohio’s establishments open to the general public,” Patton, a Youngstown Democrat, testified to his fellow lawmakers.

Brush is the sponsor of a bill meant to prevent a person who operates a public accommodation such as a park or restaurant from restricting admission to people because they drive a motorcycle or wear biker insignia.

He introduced the legislation because of a long-running dispute with Calloway Gardens, a private, nonprofit horticultural garden that doesn’t allow bikers to drive onto the grounds. The ban, in place for the garden’s entire 49-year existence, is meant to protect the serenity and peace for which the grounds are known, said spokeswoman Rachel Crumbley.

“We feel it’s not a civil right to ride a motorcycle wherever you please,” Crumbley said.

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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