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

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." (More Atlanta stories.)

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