Cecily Zamora
Texas law does not explicitly prohibit the wearing of biker colors, which are the insignia or patches worn by motorcycle club members to signify membership and territorial location. However, individuals wearing colors may be refused service at certain businesses and bars, and some biker bars have implemented a no colors policy to mitigate potential conflicts. While this dress code restriction must be uniformly enforced to be legal, it can be challenging for bikers to navigate the social landscape and ensure their rights are respected.
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What You'll Learn
- Wearing colours can lead to refusal of service at businesses and bars
- Some biker bars have a no colours policy to reduce conflict
- Colours are the insignia or patches worn by motorcycle club members
- Colours are considered significant markers of the socialization of new members
- Discrimination against bikers based on clothing is illegal in California
Wearing colours can lead to refusal of service at businesses and bars
Wearing motorcycle club colours or "patches" is a significant aspect of the biker subculture, with roots in military history. These insignia are often sewn onto vests and act as a marker of identity and elite status for members. They also indicate the member's club, rank, and territorial location.
While wearing colours is a source of pride for bikers, it can also lead to conflict with rival clubs and cause issues when accessing certain establishments. In Texas, some bars and businesses have a "no colours" policy, refusing service to individuals wearing motorcycle club insignia. This is done to reduce the potential for violence between rival clubs, as seen in the 2015 Waco shootout, where a club wearing a "Texas" bottom rocker sparked conflict with a rival group.
The refusal of service based on clothing or motorcycle club membership can be considered discriminatory and is illegal in some states, such as California. However, in Texas, bikers have reported being denied entry or asked to leave establishments if they do not remove their colours. This has caused frustration among bikers, who feel their right to enter a business is being unfairly restricted due to their association with a motorcycle club.
While Texas law does not explicitly prohibit the wearing of biker colours, the reality is that donning these insignia can lead to refusal of service at businesses and bars, particularly those with "no colours" policies in place to mitigate potential conflict. This dynamic creates a complex situation where bikers must navigate between their sense of identity and the potential for discrimination or exclusion when entering certain establishments.
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Some biker bars have a no colours policy to reduce conflict
The wearing of "colours" by motorcycle club members is often met with refusal of service at related businesses and bars. "Colours" are the insignia or "patches" worn by motorcycle club members on cut-off vests to identify membership of their club and territorial location. The term has its roots in military history, with regimental colours identifying the rank of members within clubs.
Some biker bars have implemented a "no colours" policy to reduce conflict between rival club members and potential security issues. For example, Beer Belly's Bar & Grill in Michigan received backlash for a sign that forbade patrons from wearing motorcycle club and gang colours. However, the sign was misinterpreted by some people to mean that the bar did not want black patrons.
In Texas, some bars also have a "no colours" policy, with at least one bar enforcing this by asking a group of customers to leave if they did not remove their colours. This has been a source of frustration for some bikers, who feel discriminated against because of their clothing choices.
While the "no colours" policy can help reduce conflict, it is important to note that the refusal of service based solely on clothing or motorcycle club membership may be considered illegal in certain states, such as California.
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Colours are the insignia or patches worn by motorcycle club members
Colours, also known as patches, are the insignia worn by motorcycle club members. They are usually sewn onto cut-off vests, jackets, or shirts, and are used to identify membership of a club and the member's rank and territorial location. The colours often consist of a top and bottom circumferential badge, known as a rocker, due to its curved shape. The top rocker typically displays the club name, while the bottom rocker indicates the location or territory. The club's insignia or logo is displayed in the centre, and a fourth, smaller badge may carry the initials "MC", standing for "motorcycle club". Female clubs usually spell out "motorcycle club" on their vests instead of using the "MC" abbreviation.
The patches may also include other symbols, colours, or numbers that hold specific meanings for the club. For example, the Wolf Pack Motorcycle Club in Oakland uses grey and black to signify diversity within the organisation. Some members choose to add their nickname to their jacket as well. The patches are often regarded as a significant marker of the socialisation of new members to clubs and are considered a source of pride and elite status. They are generally owned by the club rather than the individual wearing them and are treated with respect.
The process of obtaining colours varies depending on the type of motorcycle club. Outlaw motorcycle groups (OMGs) typically award colours after an initiation process, marking the member's acceptance into the brotherhood. Initiations can range from mundane tasks to criminal activities. In traditional riding groups, colours are given more freely and hold less sacred value, although they are still considered significant.
Wearing colours can sometimes lead to individuals being refused service at certain businesses and bars, particularly those with a no colours policy aimed at reducing conflict between rival clubs. However, refusing service based solely on clothing or motorcycle club membership may constitute discrimination, as seen in California, where such discrimination is illegal.
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Colours are considered significant markers of the socialization of new members
The wearing of "colours" is a significant aspect of motorcycle clubs, with members wearing insignia or "patches" on their cut-off vests to signify membership, rank, and territorial location. These colours are considered a significant marker of the socialization of new members, representing their initiation into an elite group within the motorcycling community.
The colours are often embroidered patches sewn onto clothing, with the primary symbol being the back patch of the club's insignia or logo. The wearing of these colours is referred to as "flying one's colours," and it is an important way for members to represent their club in the chapter area to civilians. The colours are also a way for members to connect with each other, as they are more likely to be approached by fellow club members when wearing their colours in public places like bars.
The colours are not just a symbol of membership but also carry specific meanings related to the member's status and achievements within the club. For example, the 7 patch symbolizes that the biker smokes marijuana, deals in it, or has contacts for methamphetamine. The 666 patch, worn by the Hells Angels, indicates that the member is part of the "Filthy Few," the Hells Angels' "Enforcer" Squad. The Ace of Spades, or the "death card," symbolizes that the member is willing to kill or has already killed for the group.
The colours are highly regarded within the motorcycling community, and their removal can be seen as a form of discrimination against bikers. In some states like California, it is illegal to discriminate against bikers based on their clothing or club membership. However, in Texas, bikers have reported being refused service or asked to leave establishments due to their colours. Some biker bars have implemented a "no colours" policy to reduce the potential for conflict between rival clubs.
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Discrimination against bikers based on clothing is illegal in California
While wearing biker colours in Texas can often lead individuals to be refused service at related businesses and bars, and some biker bars have a "no colours" policy, this form of discrimination is illegal in California.
In California, an establishment has the right to establish a dress code, but they cannot discriminate based on race, sex, religion, national origin, etc. If a dress code is enforced, it must be uniformly enforced to be legal. For example, if an establishment allows the colours of a certain club but not another's, this would be illegal. If an establishment refuses to serve bikers or motorcycle club members for no other reason than they are bikers, this would be a violation of case law.
The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Cohen V. California, 403 US 15 (1971) that individuals have the constitutional right under the First Amendment to wear clothing that displays writing or designs. The right of an individual to freedom of association has long been recognised and protected by the United States Supreme Court. Thus, a person's right to wear clothing of their choice and their right to belong to any club or organisation of their choice is constitutionally protected. Persons or establishments who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are subject to a lawsuit by the person who was discriminated against.
If you feel that you have been the victim of discrimination based on the fact that you were a biker, or because of your motorcycle club patch, you should consult a civil rights attorney and initiate legal action.
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Frequently asked questions
Biker colors are the insignia, or patches, worn by motorcycle club members on cut-off vests to identify membership of their club and territorial location.
No, Texas law cannot remove biker colors. However, individuals wearing colors may be refused service at related businesses and bars, and some biker bars have a "no colors" policy to reduce conflict.
Examples of biker colors include the 13 patch, worn by an outlaw member, symbolizing marijuana use, dealing, or contact for methamphetamine; the 666 patch, worn by the Hells Angels, representing the "Filthy Few" enforcer squad; and the ace of spades, known as the "death card", symbolizing a willingness to kill for the group.
Yes, bikers can be discriminated against on the basis of colors in Texas. However, if a business has a "no colors" dress code, it must be uniformly enforced to be legal. Discrimination against bikers on the basis of clothing or motorcycle club membership is illegal in California.
