"Evil" gangs like the Hells Angels won't be able to use the Bill of Rights for protection under the proposed Wanganui gang patch ban, according to Mayor Michael Laws.
Hells Angels motorcycle club is one of 10 gangs whose patches and other insignia will be banned from all public places in
Gang members could be fined up to $2000 and have their patches confiscated if they break the bylaw.
The council will hear submissions on the draft bylaw this Friday, before a subcommittee consisting of Mr Laws and councillors Randhir Dahya and Rana Waitai.
At least six of the 14 submissions received were from members of the Hells Angels, while another was from an associated gang, the Red Devils.
Hells Angels have hired a lawyer, Christchurch-based Steven Rollo, to fight the bylaw on the club's behalf.
Mr Rollo has also made a submission and will appear before the subcommittee on Friday.
In his submission Mr Rollo said it was "inevitable that, if passed, this bylaw will be challenged in the courts".
But Mr Laws said he was not troubled by the threat of legal action.
"This is the usual threat and bluster associated with the Hells Angels.
"They have a reputation internationally for being litigious, and for being evil."
Mr Laws said the council had ensured gangs could have no recourse to the law by supporting legislation through Parliament which closed off any loophole.
The Wanganui District Council Prohibition of Gang Insignia Bill, which was introduced to Parliament by Whanganui MP Chester Borrows, was passed in May this year.
The bill allowed the council to proceed with drafting its bylaw.
Mr Laws said the Wanganui District Council Prohibition of Gang Insignia Bill bypassed the Bill of Rights Act.
"We went to Parliament to ensure we wouldn't have these legal issues.
"Mr Rollo should study his constitutional law before making threats on behalf of the Hells Angels."
Mr Laws said he was looking forward to seeing Hells Angels members front up at the hearing on Friday.
"I look forward to hearing their arguments about why they're right and the police are wrong."
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