Drooping pants may or may not come up tonight.
Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem is mulling the possibility of bringing a proper attire ordinance aimed at sagging pants before the city council. Speaking on the idea Friday, he admitted he missed the window to get the issue on the agenda for tonight”s council meeting, but he may broach the topic during council comments.
Karriem, the youngest member of the city council, has considered proposing the ordinance for some time. Similar ordinances have passed in Florida, Louisiana and most recently in Alabama where the city of Selma enacted a law banning sagging pants last week.
“Me coming out of the era of this fashion trend, I just see where it limits individuals from being productive in the community,” said Karriem. “Me being one of the youngest council members, I know people would think this is odd, but this fashion trend is a hindrance. It”s incumbent on the city fathers to ask young males to pull their pants up.”
The idea was met with mixed reaction Monday by members of the city council.
Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens stated he was in favor of the ordinance as long as it was in compliance with the law. However, he said careful attention must be paid to avoid infringing on people”s rights.
Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box expressed his disdain for the trend of wearing pants far below the waistline, but questioned how the practice could be criminalized.
“I don”t know in a free society we can dictate how they wear their clothes. I don”t think I”m going to vote for it, but I will be open to hearing discussion,” he said.
Box also noted the trend is confined predominantly to young males, but pointed out “some of these young girls” clothing is more disturbing than what these guys are doing.”
Ward 4 Councilman Fred Stewart declined to comment directly on the prospect of a pull-your-pants-up ordinance, but stated he would be in favor of “anything that improves the community.”
“Anything that will enhance the look of the community. As long as (the city is) not breaking the law,” said Stewart.
Police Chief Joseph St. John has expressed his support of such an ordinance, but stated it must be clearly worded to aid in enforcement. Selma”s ban specifies an individual is in violation if his or her pants begin three inches below the hip.
St. John said his officers won”t be carrying rulers or tape measures.
“It would have to be something so flagrant you wouldn”t be using a measuring stick. In a softer way (the offense) is like indecent exposure: You know it when you see it,” he said.
St. John also recommended asking the public to weigh in to establish a community standard before any laws are passed.
“This has got to be something the community lives with. Whatever they come up with, I”ll make sure it happens,” said St. John.
Lawyers across the country, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have questioned the legality of such ordinances. The arguments against the ordinances frame style of dress as a First Amendment issue.
In Demopolis, Ala., 12 attire citations have been issued since the city enacted its ordinance Dec. 1, 2009. Municipal Court Judge Woody Dinning has assessed the minimum $25 fine in all instances but has the authority to assign community service in the case of repeat offenders.
Dinning says he has yet to hear a challenge to the law”s constitutionality or have a defendant plead not guilty.
A quick poll of citizens with the saggiest pants suggests the mood among those the ordinance is aimed at is one of resignation.
“I wouldn”t have but one choice and that”s to go by it,” said Jason Williams, 32, as he pushed his children on the swings at Sim Scott Park.
Williams said citizens should be allowed to dress however they please as long they”re not in a business setting and no inappropriate body parts are exposed.
Jeremy Barnes, 20, agreed with the ordinance as he stood in Leigh Mall with his pants sagging almost beneath his long hoodie.
“I think that”s a good idea because people don”t need to be walking around here disrespecting other people,” he said.
Barnes, who insists he sags his pants only because he”s too thin to find a fitting belt, provided a thoughtful answer when asked how he would react if a police officer approached him about his pants.
“Knowing me, I”d probably take off running,” he said.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.