Louisiana towns ban fanny-flaunting trousers

updated 5:38 p.m. ET Aug. 29, 2007

NEW ORLEANS - Hike up those pants. Droopy drawers that bare skin or underwear might soon be forbidden fashion on the streets of two Louisiana towns, and violators could be forced to part with some cash.

“I’m tired (of) looking at behinds,” Shreveport Councilwoman Joyce Bowman said after Tuesday’s 4-3 vote to ban fanny-flaunting trousers.

Nobody can be arrested just for violating the ordinance, but they could be fined or required to perform community service. The maximum fine for a first offense is $100.

Alexandria’s City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban the baring. Its ordinance allows some sag, but 3 inches or more can bring a fine of $25 to $200 and a requirement for community service.

If the mayors of Shreveport and Alexandria sign the ordinances, they will bring Louisiana’s total to at least six, with at least two more cities considering bans.

Elsewhere, Atlanta’s City Council has held a hearing on a measure to outlaw saggy pants that reveal shorts or thongs.

A similar proposal in Stratford, Conn., was soundly rejected this week after critics argued it would be unconstitutional and unfairly target minorities.

Some opponents cite other objections.

“Are you going to have a ‘sagging’ court?” Michael Williams asked Shreveport’s council. “The police have more important things to do than chase young boys and girls and say ’pull your pants up.”’

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