Wearing sagging pants could become a misdemeanor in Pamplico later this month, although Jasper County has delayed the ordinance on which the town modeled its proposal.
Pamplico Town Councilwoman Cynthia Parks said officials want to teach children and youths respect, which isn’t being shown when they’re “walking wide-legged” to keep their pants from falling.
“I feel that it’s indecent exposure,” Parks said. “I shouldn’t have to look at your underwear (when I’m) walking down the street.”
The style began in the 1990s, when it was made popular by hip-hop artists.
On July 21, the council unanimously passed first reading of an ordinance that would make it a misdemeanor to wear one’s pants more than three inches below the hips, thereby exposing skin or “intimate clothing.”
No town residents spoke on the issue during last month’s meeting.
The ordinance, which doesn’t yet specify any penalties, must pass a second and final reading before going into effect.
Pamplico’s next town council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18.
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Jasper County Council announced last week that it was delaying final action on its sagging pants ordinance amid questions of legality and enforcement, The Associated Press reported.
Pamplico Mayor Gene Gainey said the council will discuss the issue with the town’s attorney, Jimmy Epps of Lake City.
“It’s just a fad that’s going on, but, to me, it’s one that’s just going a little overboard,” Gainey said.
In Pamplico, the town’s police would be responsible for enforcing such a ban, Pamplico Police Chief Steve Bowen said.
He said there are no particular parts of town where sagging pants are most commonly seen.
“It’s no particular area, no,” Bowen said. “I don’t see where we have a major problem with it, but it’s a common fad where kids wear their pants like that.”
Avalon Graham, 31, of Pamplico said he’d heard about the proposed ordinance at his job.
“I ain’t got a problem with it,” he said.
Graham, who was wearing baggy jeans while walking around town Wednesday, said the ordinance wouldn’t affect him because he doesn’t normally sag his pants. Instead, he said, it would affect “young kids” who have adopted the style.
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