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Durham city leaders have shot down a citizen proposal to institute what would have essentially been a dress code for the Bull City.
Wayne Daye wanted indecent exposure laws strengthened to include saggy pants that show underwear and other revealing clothing.
Supporters say it goes deeper than just good taste, while others contend it's basic freedom of expression.
Walk down any street in Durham, and sooner or later you're bound to see someone whose pants are baggier than some people think is appropriate.
"A lot of people are offended by it," said Daye.
He took his complaints, and more than 300 signatures on a petition, to City Council Thursday afternoon.
"There's not one person that I approached who had an issue with this," said Daye. "Some people said 'Well let me sign it twice.'"
Daye was hoping for some stricter laws, but city leaders say their hands are tied.
"I understand the concern that Mr. Daye has raised, but I can guarantee you that there is plenty of case law that would prohibit this," said City Attorney Patrick Baker.
Baker said the freedom of expression issue is tough to mess with; high schools barely have enough clout to enforce their own dress codes.
In fact, police say the current laws actually allow for a lot less than some saggy pants.
"In terms of the law as it is written right now, you could go down to CCB Plaza and sit on the back of Major Bull, and if all you had on was a thong you would not be in violation of the law," said Chief Deputy Ron Hodge.
The issue may be closed legally -- for now -- but it doesn't stop the discussion.
Some say the baggy look needs to go.
"It's not just a casual thing where you can express yourself, the consequences go beyond ourselves, the individual," said Durham resident Willie Pace. "It stretches to the community where we are already in such bad flux."
Others obviously disagree.
"It's ridiculous," said Alan Michael Rose. "I honestly don't like people sagging their pants too hard. I've always made sure mine didn't sag too much, but like I said, it's their right to wear whatever they want to wear."
Daye says he's not quite giving up on the issue; he still wants to see if there are other ways to tighten up the current rules.
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Comments
By Gary Klahr, J.D. on 10/10 10:31 PM
There is a BIG difference nswtween LAW and proprirty. NOt everything "bad" or Unciouth should be ca CRIMINAL offense. The LAW is clear---you only need cover your genitals amd the female breast; wearing underwear that does not expose those is perfectly legal even w/o ANY pants over them!! But I DO agree that saggy & baggy pants are uncouth---especially because you can't RUN in them (that is WHY the police are not against baggy pants) People need to STOP trying to make evey rude thing ILLEGAL; we have RTOO MANY unreasonable laws on the books already. As for schjoolds, don;\t EVEN get me started; schiools have grossly unreasonable dress & uniform codes now that prohibit FULLY-APPROPRIATE street clothes we wore to school in 1950!!! I am referring to the recent ABSURD trend of EXPELLING (Eventually) kids wearing striped tee shirts (instead of collared polos) and WELL-FITTED, non-baggy denim jeans (instead of khaki uniform pants. This is the OTHER extreme of the point Daye wants to make.
By Wayne Mullenax on 10/09 09:16 AM
I like the idea but it would never happen couldn't enforce the law. People just need to have more self respect and respect others and pull their pants up.
By John Lawson on 10/09 06:23 AM
This so-called fad/fashion has its roots (no pun intended) from the criminal facet of our culture. Saggy pants were used to hide contraband, illegal drugs, and whatever and it also is traced back to a fashion statement started by an inmate as a sign of solidarity or belonging to a certain group. I am sure that local law enforcement like it because it is easier to chase someone tripping over their pants. Is this an indication of disrespect for our community? I think it is. Some say it is an expression or something like that. WHAT?! What are you saying by not putting on your clothes completely that cannot be said verbally? Yes, Durham has a crime problem as any community does. Is this practice a symptom of a sickness in our community that stems from the same sickness that gives us crime? I believe it does. Many of those who dress like this have atleast an attitude problem that is normal for teenagers. But really, the problem solving should be left up to the parents and make sure that your children look nothing like those that do crime and/or have attitude problems...John
By Brandy Bowser on 10/08 03:45 PM
A friend of mine was killed in Durham a few months ago...I think Durham residents should be worried about crime, rather than fashion!
By Marc on 10/08 01:15 PM
loosen up dude...and visit saggers gone wild (dot) com...sexy studs in saggy pants 24/7 (please keep the controversy going)
By max on 10/08 12:55 PM
I think this is a very good idea.
By fruia on 10/08 11:43 AM
what an idiot
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