Atlanta wants to ban plumbers

[KBCraig]

Shreveport is the latest to join this bandwagon.

Council passes 'anti-sagging' pants ordinance
Created: August 28, 2007 05:44 PM     Modified: August 29, 2007 01:47 PM

Rejecting concerns that police have bigger problems to deal with, the Shreveport City Council today passed an ordinance that will prohibit wearing sagging pants in public.

The 4-3 vote came after questions about the ordinance's constitutionality were addressed by amendments and the city attorney.

The "anti-sagging" ordinance will prohibit baggy pants that fall below the waist and expose skin or underwear. Violators could face a fine or have to perform community service. An amendment would prohibit anyone being arrested.

It takes effect Sept. 15. Police have not said what plans they have for its enforcement, except to say it will be a "common sense" approach.

"I'm tired of looking at behinds," said Councilwoman Joyce Bowman, who voted for the ordinance.

She was joined by the ordinance's sponsor, Calvin Lester, and councilmen Ron Webb and Bryan Wooley. Voting against were Joe Shyne, Monty Walford and Michael Long.

Opponents of the ordinance said they don't like sagging pants -- calling it a "fad" that will eventually go away -- but argued that the city has bigger problems to address. Walford said he worries the ordinance cannot withstand a court challenge.

"Are you going to have a 'sagging' court?" said Michael Williams, a citizen who opposes the ordinance. "The police have more important things to do than chase young boys and girls and say 'pull your pants up.'"

Supporters said the ordinance has built-in safeguards that will prevent police targeting black males, who most often wear the pants that are targeted by the ordinance.

Shreveport too often "lets things play out" and does not address problems, Lester said, adding that he is skeptical sagging pants are a fad.

Walford expressed concerns the ordinance could be interpreted to include bikinis and jogging shorts, but the city attorney said a reasonable interpretation by police should prevent abuses.