Finnish ministers debate biker vest ban

Lawmakers in Finland are discussing on the possibility of a nationwide ban on motorcycle gang vests. Anna-Maja Henriksson of the Swedish People’s Party said that she is doubtful that implementing such a law would be feasible.

MPs Kari Tolvanen and Tom Packalén recently proposed that the government should outlaw the wearing vests bearing insignias associated with groups recognised as a criminal gangs.

Christian Democrat Päivi Räsänen has said he would support such a move, while Justice Minister Henriksson said that such legislation would create problems. She said, “It seems far-fetched. There would be demarcation problems about what kind of a vest would be permissible and what would not,” the STT news agency reports.

The debate comes after press conference held by Helsinki police officials last Wednesday, during which Jari Aarnio, the detective superintendent, said that he was not in favour of the ban. He said to reporters that Helsinki’s gang problem was already under control and that allowing them to wear gang insignia actually makes it easier to identify those that are part of criminal groups.

Similarly, Minister of Justice Henriksson said that imposing such a law would make gang membership a criminal offence, but noted that it is already an offense to establish a group with the intention of engaging in illegal activities.