Bikers come to Capitol to push anti-discrimination legislation

ATLANTA - Wet weather spoiled plans for Governor Perdue&#39;s motorcycle ride around the Capitol Wednesday, but the Republican governor pledged his support to bikers and said he welcomed debate on their causes. <br> <br> Speaking to a group of about 100 bikers, the governor said, ``I support the democratic process and think it should be debated freely in the Legislature.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The bikers are revving up for a fight against discrimination after complaints that they&#39;re being shut out of restaurants and hotels because of their image as leather-clad thugs. <br> <br> A bill introduced by Senator Joey Brush, a Republican from Appling, would ban such discrimination. Lawmakers in Ohio, South Carolina and several other states are considering the legislation. Minnesota and Maine have passed similar measures in the past three years. <br> <br> Motorcyclists say the image of leather-clad bikers who rumble into town on their Harley Davidsons and raise a ruckus is outdated. Even the governor thinks so. <br> <br> Perdue asked, ``You may not look like everybody else but who cares, right?&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Another issue bikers are fighting is the helmet law, which mandates all riders wear protective head gear. <br> <br> Bikers contend wearing a helmet is their right and forcing them to don one is too much government interference. <br> <br> Bill Wiegmann, a member of the grass roots organization, American Bikers Active Toward Education, said he&#39;d probably wear a helmet, but being told to by the government makes him not want to.