OPA-LOCKA, Fla. — The city of Opa-Locka voted unanimously Wednesday night to fine people $250 if they don’t pull their pants up.
Opa-Locka city leaders decided to expand the current ban on saggy pants to include a $250 fine or 10 hours of community service for those who refuse to tighten their trousers.
Opa-Locka City Commissioner Timothy Holmes led the charge against the sagging crowd, saying the low-pants practice intimidates the public, provides a distraction in schools and is a blight on the community.
“Dress like somebody. Be somebody,” Holmes said. “It’s time for us now to try to teach our people how to dress.”
But the proposal is a shot below the waist for those who proudly display their underwear in public. Saggy pants proponents said it is unfair to judge them by their clothes.
“I scored a 24 on the ACT. I’m going to college, and I sag my pants. What’s that mean?” said Brisk Moe.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida also objects to the proposal. In a statement to Local 10, an ACLU attorney said, “Policymakers acting as ‘fashion police’ is a ridiculous waste of public resources. Laws like this disproportionately penalize African-American youth, increase contact between youth and law enforcement and will impose overly harsh penalties for victimless behavior.”
“That might get rid of some of the crime on the street,” Holmes said.
This is NOT a discriminatory policy. There must be some kind of device to prevent said ‘sagging’ 