A member's bill that would ban gang members from wearing patches or insignia in any government or public building has been drawn from Parliament's ballot.
National MP for Taupo, Todd McClay put forward the Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Buildings Bill. Such "members' bills" come from MPs who are not ministers, and are chosen by ballot to be introduced for debate.
Mr McClay's proposed patches ban would cover offices such as Work and Income and ACC, as well as schools, early childhood centres and public hospitals.
Gangs often identify themselves to other members, rival gangs and the public by patches, colours, insignia and salutes.
Mr McClay says it would give police the power to arrest anyone they believed had breached the law and could result in a $2000 fine.
He says the bill aims to provide an environment free of intimidation for other members of the public and staff in government departments and agencies, but it would not apply to tattoos.
