A California bill to allow Sikh motorcyclists to ride without helmets due to the wearing of headdresses, such as a turban or patka, passed the state Senate on May 31.
Senate Bill 847, which would grant a religious exemption for the headwear and authored by Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) was approved on a 21–8 vote, with 13 Democrats joining Republicans.
The bill will now be heard in the Assembly.
“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 in a statement following the vote….