Albany City Commission says no to ‘sagging pants’

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    ALBANY, GA (Albany Herald) — Pants will stay up in Albany after a move to rescind a 2010 city ordinance banning “sagging pants” was overwhelmingly voted down on Tuesday.

The motion to overturn the ordinance garnered only one vote during a Tuesday Albany City Commission meeting.

Commissioner Demetrius Young, who supported the change, and Commissioner Jon Howard laid out different opinions on the issue. Howard said that the style of wearing pants below the waist reflects poorly on those who are out in public, particularly those seeking jobs.

“I think this would be a step in the wrong direction,” Howard said. “I think young men need to dress appropriately, be appropriate when they leave home (and) have on a belt. Saggy pants do not look good out in public.”

The Albany City Commission, in November 2010, passed an ordinance that prohibited the wearing of pants or skirts three inches below the hips, imposing a $25 fine for an initial offense and up to $250 for subsequent offenses.

The vote on the ordinance in November 2010 was 5-2 and had strong public support.

Instead of overturning the ordinance, Howard said that society should send a message to the young adults who make up the majority of those who wear their pants or shorts below the hips that can be offensive to others.

“We are not trying to violate your rights, but at the same time we want you to be informed and educated and respect senior citizens,” the Ward I commissioner said. “I think we need to set a good example for the next generation.”

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