Saggy pants shelved for now in Gautier

GAUTIER -- City leaders decided Tuesday night to study the saggy pants issue and did not pass a city law against it.

Three residents urged them not to make it illegal. They said they felt it would set police at odds with the city's youth and cause the city undue problems -- open the door to profiling and put a financial burden on the youth.

Leeja Humber said, "I'm not a fan of sagging; however, I believe it's a slippery slope criminalizing a wardrobe choice."

Lora Smith said, "You're just picking on a certain group of boys."

Kristie Bray told the City Council, "Trying to legislate what people wear is just silly on the surface."

Bray said every generation had its way of rebelling against authority and this is no different.

The council voted 4-2 to table the indecent exposure ordinance that would outlaw pants or skirts worn well below the hips. The measure also covered other issues of indecent exposure or acts, some of which are already covered under state law.

City council members expressed concerns that outlawing saggy pants specifically could tax an already thin police department and that if challenged in court, would wind up costing the city taxpayers.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 9:34 PM with the headline "Saggy pants shelved for now in Gautier ."