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Letting It All Hang Out? Bill Would Put It All Back In

Atlanta proposal calls saggy pants "major concern;" ACLU claims "racial profiling"

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Aug 23, 2007 12:14 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Young men will want to hike up their sagging pants, and women cover up bra straps and exposed thongs if Atlanta’s City Council adopts a proposal to amend the city’s indecency laws, the Journal-Constitution reports. The measure, which would fine violators for exposing boxer shorts, thongs and bras, is discriminatory and won't stand up in court, the ACLU warns.

Supporters say prison-inspired fashion trends send a negative message; an ACLU rep says the “racial profiling bill” targets young black men. Its sponsor, an African-American councilman, said he hopes to spur conversation on hip-hop culture. Adds one mother, "we've gone beyond saying, 'Pull up your pants,' to saying we need to focus on the message our young people are sending."

Atlanta Councilman C.T. Martin seeks to stop the epidemic of baggy pants and visible thongs.
Atlanta Councilman C.T. Martin seeks to stop the "epidemic" of baggy pants and visible thongs.   (Shutterstock.com)
Mansfield, LA aldermen have unanimously passed a law requiring pants to be worn at a level that does not expose underwear. Violators will face $150 fines or up to 15 days in jail.
Mansfield, LA aldermen have unanimously passed a law requiring pants to be worn at a level that does not expose underwear. Violators will face $150 fines or up to 15 days in jail.   (Shutterstock.com)
I don't want young people thinking that half-dressing is the way to go. I want them to think about their future, said one Atlanta Councilman.
"I don't want young people thinking that half-dressing is the way to go. I want them to think about their future," said one Atlanta Councilman.   (Shutterstock.com)
This is a racial profiling bill that promotes and establishes a framework for an additional type of racial profiling, said Debbie Seagreaves, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia.
"This is a racial profiling bill that promotes and establishes a framework for an additional type of racial profiling," said Debbie Seagreaves, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia.   (Newser.com archive)
Technically, the legislation would make it illegal to wear a sports bra in public, or even unintentionally reveal a bra strap.
Technically, the legislation would make it illegal to wear a sports bra in public, or even unintentionally reveal a bra strap.   (Shutterstock.com)
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Indecency ban already law in Louisiana
Associated Press

Ban could backfire
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

 
Atlanta • dress code • ACLU • Louisiana • indecency • First Amendment • culture • pants • Delcambre • hip-hop

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