Saggy Pants on the Block in Wilmington

November 12, 2007 (WPVI) -- A Wilmington city official wants to crackdown on baggy pants, and possibly even pajama bottoms. He's proposing legislation that would make it illegal to wear your pants extra low at the waist. It's a controversial proposal to say the least.

The kids call it "saggin". Baggy pants may be a fashion statement, but one Wilmington lawmaker wants to make saggy pants that reveal a little too much, a big a civil offense.

Wilmington city councilman Mike Brown says, "You're seeing their behinds. Enough is enough." Brown knows his proposal to fine fashion offenders up to 250 dollars wont go over big with the people it targets.

"I dont even care. I'm saggin right now and aint changing nothing. You can be upset all day," said Mike Sullivan. Darnell Dunn adds, "It's stupid, it's a fashion statement. You should be able to wear whatever you want to wear."

The American Civil Liberties Union agrees. Drewry Fennel says the idea of making fashion choices a civil offense is a lawsuit waiting to happen. "Having the government intrude in such a personal area of your life as what you're wearing each day seems to be itching for someone to take objection to that."

Brown defended his stance by saying, "Listen, I know under the first amendment everybody has their rights, but i have rights too."

Councilman Brown's indecent exposure ordinance targets men and women who show too much flesh or too much underwear. And in the court of public opinion, he has his share of supporters.

Councilman Brown's controversial ordinance is scheduled to be debated in committee next month. That meeting will be open to the public.

(Copyright 2007 by Action News and 6abc. All Rights Reserved.)

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