NZ Hells Angels challenge 'no patch' law

Infamous bike gang fight for right to wear club insignia

LAWYERS REPRESENTING the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in New Zealand have launched a bid to overturn a ban on the gang's infamous 'patch'.

Under legislation passed last September, anyone cuaght wearing the gang's insignia in the district of Wanganui can be fined up to $2000 NZ.

Lawyers representing the Angels are now set to challenge the legislation in the High Court, citing Wanganui District Council overstepped its powers when it introduced the law last year.

"To take away the right to wear insignia is to take away the right almost to be a member, but certainly the right to identify yourself as a member in public. You're driven underground, you cannot speak," said a lawyer representing the gang.