With all that’s going on in the world, South Carolina lawmakers are preoccupied with criminalizing saggy pants… coincidentally, a fashion choice worn mostly by young men of color.
But not always…
Democratic and Republican legislators in South Carolina seek to ban saggy pants throughout the state under House Bill 4957, which would make it illegal for a person to expose their skin or underwear by wearing their pants “three inches below the crest of his ileum” —the top of the hips.
If caught with their pants down, violators will be fined $25 for a first offense; $50 or three hours of community service for a second offense; and $75 or six hours of community service for a third or subsequent offense.
Violations wouldn’t be considered criminal or delinquent, or put state college or university financial help at risk.
Three Midlands lawmakers co-sponsored the bill: Jimmy Bales (D-Richland), Richard Martin (R-Newberry) and Russell Ott (D-Calhoun).
Other co-sponsors include Robert Brown (D-Charleston), Wendell Gilliard (D-Charleston), Joseph Jefferson Jr. (D-Berkeley County), Linda Bennett (R-Charleston County), Carl Anderson (D-Georgetown), Steven Wayne Long (R-Spartanburg) and Robert Williams (D-Georgetown).
The bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee.
A similar ordinance was passed in Timmonsville in July 2016, where third-time offenders could pay a $100-600 fine.
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(Photo Credit: Stock Photo)