Sikhs who wear turbans while riding motorcycles say their obedience to their faith is far more important than safety.

Unfortunately, traffic cops seldom see it that way. As a result, the Canadian Sikh Association is asking the Ontario government to exempt turban-wearing motorcyclists from having to wear a helmet, as now required by law.

The meeting was attended by provincial Liberal and Progressive Conservative leaders.

“For us, this is no more a safety issue as it has already been approved in British Columbia, Manitoba, some states in the U.S. and also in England,” said Baljit Singh Ghuman, chair of the CSA. “This is more a human rights issue.”