Saggy Pants Ordinance Proposed in Gautier
A proposed ordinance that would fine people for not pulling up their pants has been tabled for tonight in Gautier. The council says more information is needed before taking a vote.
While many residents say they don’t like saggy pants, they don’t agree with the ordinance, calling it a slippery slope that could lead to sexual discrimination, racial profiling, more work for police and tension within the community.
The ban was proposed by Councilwoman At-Large Mary Martin after receiving numerous complaints from residents about males wearing pants below the waist in public. Gautier Police Chief Dante Elbin tells News 25 he’s in favor of putting a stop to the trend but only if the ordinance does not violate anyone’s constitutional rights. “I don’t think it’s appropriate, I don’t think our families should have to see it. There’s the issue of constitutionality. We want to make sure that we’re not infringing on that.”
Gautier resident Kristie Bray is against the ordinance. “I just think it’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard of. We have more important things for our police department to be doing than to stop some poor kid because his pants are at half mass.”
Gautier resident Demetrius Robinson is in favor of the ordinance. “I feel like, if you’re going to do something, know the true meaning behind it. And I say if you’re going to know the true meaning behind that, it’s not a good one. If you want to walk around with your pants sagging you probably need to think twice about how you do things.”
While the issue was tabled tonight, Gautier Mayor Gordon Gollott and Councilwoman Martin wanted a vote immediately. If the ordinance passes, individuals who violate it would pay a fine from $75 up to $250 and perform up to 48 hours of community service.
While many residents say they don’t like saggy pants, they don’t agree with the ordinance, calling it a slippery slope that could lead to sexual discrimination, racial profiling, more work for police and tension within the community.
The ban was proposed by Councilwoman At-Large Mary Martin after receiving numerous complaints from residents about males wearing pants below the waist in public. Gautier Police Chief Dante Elbin tells News 25 he’s in favor of putting a stop to the trend but only if the ordinance does not violate anyone’s constitutional rights. “I don’t think it’s appropriate, I don’t think our families should have to see it. There’s the issue of constitutionality. We want to make sure that we’re not infringing on that.”
Gautier resident Kristie Bray is against the ordinance. “I just think it’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard of. We have more important things for our police department to be doing than to stop some poor kid because his pants are at half mass.”
Gautier resident Demetrius Robinson is in favor of the ordinance. “I feel like, if you’re going to do something, know the true meaning behind it. And I say if you’re going to know the true meaning behind that, it’s not a good one. If you want to walk around with your pants sagging you probably need to think twice about how you do things.”
While the issue was tabled tonight, Gautier Mayor Gordon Gollott and Councilwoman Martin wanted a vote immediately. If the ordinance passes, individuals who violate it would pay a fine from $75 up to $250 and perform up to 48 hours of community service.
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