For once, a sound, sensible political decision, based not on race or religious "rights" but safety and equality has been made.
The province of Ontario has announced it will not be allowing turban-wearing Sikhs to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet. I say GOOD. It's not about being racist or denying one's right to practice their own beliefs, it's about residing in Canada and living as Canadians do. I've said it many times before and I'll say it again, black, brown, white, Scottish, English, Native American, it matters not. We are ALL CANADIAN and we should all live by the same rules as well as be afforded the same opportunities.
Ontario's Premier, Kathleen Wynne says she struggled with her recent decision, having to weigh the balance between public safety and religious accommodation but that after careful deliberation it was determined there was a road safety risk for an individual not wearing a helmet. No kidding. Do you think there would have been a big deliberation if I plead my case that I didn't feel I should have to wear a helmet? Nope, there certainly would not.
"Ultimately, the safety of Ontarians is my utmost priority, and I cannot justify setting that concern aside on this issue." And nor should she.
The mandatory helmet law - which many begrudgingly follow - was put in place to save lives. Since its inception mortality rates due to head injuries have reportedly dropped by 75 per cent. That not only means lives are being saved, but health care expenses are also. Will a turban save you in dangerous bike crash? Not likely.
Not surprisingly, the premier is taking plenty of flack. British Columbia and Manitoba have both exempted turban wearers from the helmet law, saying it's a religious right and a part of a person's very being. Maybe that is so, but I fully support Wynne in her decision and think that "when in Canada" we should do as Canadians.
It won't be the end of the discussion and no doubt the same deliberations will take place in this province some day down the road. When they do, I hope government considers we are all Canadian and should be treated as such. A law is a law and it should be so for all, not just a chosen bunch.
