Civil rights groups have slammed the legislation tabled in state parliament on Thursday.

Police Minister Michael Ferguson said the legislation, promised in the state election, prohibited the display of insignia that promoted criminal associations and caused fear in the community.

“Tasmanians have a right to enjoy their state free from acts and threats of violence, intimidation and the scourge of drugs,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Outlaw motorcycle gangs are well organised, well-resourced and increasingly sophisticated in how they structure and execute their criminal activities.

“Police intelligence highlights a continuing and disturbing pattern of well organised crime which places our community, families and children at unacceptable risk.”

Labor was keeping an open mind and would consider the legislation carefully, a spokesman said.

“However, any law changes must be backed by evidence. We would need to be convinced that similar moves in other jurisdictions have been successful in deterring organised crime,” he said.

Civil Liberties Australia Tasmania director Richard Griggs said the legislation was “a double whammy of a very large expansion of power for police and parliament combined with a very broadly worded piece of supporting legislation.”

“It is a very big step indeed to allow police and parliament to ban the wearing of certain items of clothing,” Mr Griggs said.

“Parliament traditionally passes laws and police enforce them. It sets our system of law down a very different path if we begin to regulate the badges that people wear.”

He would seek answers about why the legislation was needed.

“We urge the Tasmanian parliament to interrogate this very carefully,” Mr Griggs said.

Australian Lawyers Alliance Tasmanian president Fabiano Cangelosi also opposed the legislation saying it was a violation of human rights.

“It’s never appropriate for a member of an executive government to be deciding which symbols can be displayed in a democratic society,” Mr Cangelosi said.

“Tasmanians should be very concerned about yet another grab for more powers.”

Mr Ferguson said the legislation had been developed after a detailed period of public consultation and did not affect law abiding motorcycle clubs.

“The fact is, social riding clubs and law abiding motorcycle groups make up the vast majority of riders and will also benefit from a safer Tasmania,” he said.