CALIFORNIA BILL WOULD ALLOW SIKHS TO RIDE MOTORCYCLES WITHOUT A HELMET

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sikhs and other people whose faith requires them to wear a turban or patka could soon be allowed to ride motorcycles in California without a helmet as mandated by state law.

The state Senate this week voted to grant a religious exemption for the headwear. The measure, Senate Bill 847 from Sen. Brian Dahle, a Bieber Republican, cleared the chamber by a 21-8 margin. Eight Democrats voted “no,” while 13 others sided with Republicans.

“Freedom of religion is a core foundation of this country. We, as Americans, have the right to freely express our religion and I believe that right should equally extend to everyone,” Dahle said.