more evidence that louisiana has the lousiest politicians in the land.
morning advocate excerpt:
By ROY PITCHFORD
Advocate Westside bureau
Published: Oct 23, 2007 - Page: 4B
PORT ALLEN — The City Council joined the growing list of governmental bodies adopting laws to control saggy trousers.
The council unanimously adopted an ordinance Monday that requires pants to be secured at the waist so they do not fall below the hips, expose underwear or create indecent exposure.
Council member Ray Helen Lawrence said she was voting for the motion “only because of the calls I have received,” and because many of her constituents said they associate the wearing of sagging trousers with crime.
The new law does not criminalize the wearing of such attire.
Rather it provides civil penalties for violators — a fine of $25 to $250 for a first offense, and $250 to $500 for repeat offenses.
During the public hearing that preceded the vote, two women spoke against adopting the new law.
“I can’t believe you’re trying to restrict a particular type of clothing,” said Donnie Owens, who added that she believes the law would improperly violate freedom of expression.
Stephanie DeLaney said light-heartedly that she feared she might violate the law because she sometimes wears baggy pants and has lost weight.
“I’d hate for someone to call the cops on me for that,” she observed.
Council member High Riviere said that underwear “is called underwear for a reason,” and said he didn’t want to view other people’s undergarments.
