All motorcycle riders are welcome at Legion branches and events, but the new policy means outlaw motorcycle members would need to remove their colours first.
The Royal Canadian Legion has instituted a new national policy that states the wearing of OMC (Outlaw Motorcycle Club) or street gang colours is not permitted at Legion events and premises, as this is contrary to the Legion’s Articles of Faith and disrespectful of the sacrifices made by our Veterans.
The Articles of Faith are founding principles that refer to important concepts such as loyalty to Canada and maintaining the rule of law. Our Veterans served and sacrificed to protect our way of life and our laws.
Last year, members of outlaw motorcycle clubs attended a remembrance ceremony at a Legion branch in Ontario, wearing their full colours and with service medals attached. After law enforcement officials approached the Legion to discuss the appropriateness of this display, Legion leadership later considered the situation and then developed and adopted the new policy.
It is important to acknowledge that motorcycle club members – such as the Legion Riders - do a lot of supportive work for the Legion and in communities across the country. All motorcycle riders are still welcome at Legion branches and events, but the new policy means outlaw motorcycle members would need to remove their colours first.
The Legion’s Dominion Command has recommended that provincial and territorial commands hold educational sessions with local law enforcement officials to understand who the outlaw groups are in their regions.
Members of the Legion’s Dominion Executive Council from across the country voted to adopt the policy at their latest meeting in April.