Baggy Pants Ban Eyed by New Port Richey Officials

The days of droopy pants that expose boxer shorts for the world to see might soon be over in New Port Richey.

Mayor Rob Marlowe is championing the idea to create an ordinance that would ban pants that sag below the waistline, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Marlowe floated the idea during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, saying he thinks the city ought to look into something similar to what Ocala has done.

“These kids really do look like hell,” the Times quoted him as saying.

Ocala passed its ban on baggy pants back in July and has since drawn fire from the NAACP, which says the ordinance that carries a penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a possible fine of up to $500 unfairly targets black men. The law makes it illegal for pants to fall 2 inches or more below the natural waistline.

It’s unclear at this time if New Port Richey will move forward with the idea. It’s also unclear if Ocala will keeps its ordinance on the books. Officials there seem to be having second thoughts as the newly passed law comes up again for discussion later this month.

Check out the Times’ full story.

See Also:

• Ocala Cracks Down on Saggy Pants
• Saggy Pants Ban Challenged by NAACP