‘Droopy drawers’ bill seeks end to overexposure of underwear

RICHMOND — Virginia lawmakers to the state’s youth: Pull up your pants or pay the price.

Delegate Algie T. Howell Jr. doesn’t want to see underwear hanging out of the back of your pants, and most lawmakers yesterday agreed with him. The House voted 60-34 for his bill, which would impose a $50 fine on anyone whose boxers, briefs or thongs peek above their pants or skirts.

“It’s not an attack on baggy pants,” said Mr. Howell, Norfolk Democrat. “To vote for this bill would be a vote for character, to uplift your community and to do something good not only for the state of Virginia, but for this entire country.”

It’s not clear if the fine would apply to plumbers, carpenters or other laborers who have problems with low-riding pants. The bill states the fine would apply to those who display their below-the-waist underwear in a “lewd or indecent manner.”

Several lawmakers and civil rights groups said the legislation — sometimes referred to as the “droopy drawers” bill — is excessive and would encourage racial profiling, arguing that exposed underwear is simply a fashion statement by mostly black youths.

Delegate Lionell Spruill Sr., Chesapeake Democrat, said the bill violates the Constitution.

“This is a foolish bill because it will hurt so many,” said Mr. Spruill, who is black. “This will be a bill that will target blacks.”

At one point, Mr. Spruill suggested that lawmakers who vote for the bill “should be ashamed” and said Mr. Howell has let his constituents down.

Delegate John S. Reid, Henrico Republican, said Mr. Spruill had “crossed the line” of traditional debate decorum.

“I got your attention, Mr. Reid. I’m glad I did,” Mr. Spruill told Mr. Reid after apologizing. “Don’t hurt students. Remember, you were once young yourself. Don’t do another thing to hurt black people.”

Still, the underwear bill generated some lighthearted debate and laughs among the delegates.

Mr. Spruill conducted an informal survey of his colleagues, asking about their youthful fashion fads and faux pas. The responses, he said, ranged from Afros to platform shoes to polyester leisure suits.

“Please, let these kids express themselves,” he said. “It will pass on. Don’t fine these young kids. You had your time, let them have their time.”

Mr. Reid, a former teacher, said the trend of youngsters wearing baggy pants represents “the coarsening of this society.”

“We’ve stood by and watched little things occur,” he said. “Surely, there are those of us who look at our pictures when we were 12 years old and laugh at them, but they were not offensive. They were not wearing their underwear out.

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