Democrats said that the bill passed by the House yesterday, that fines people up to $50 for intentionally exposing their underwear in a way that is “lewd or indecent” in public, is ridiculous and would be labeled as racist if White House goes with it.
The bill, which was passed by a 60-34 vote by the House members and announced on ABC’s “Good Morning America” yesterday, has attracted attention from supporters all over the country who dislike the low-riding baggy-pants style favored by some rap-music entertainers and copied by youths everywhere.
But some delegates say if the bill goes to the Senate, it has a slim chance of passing.
Del. Lionell Spruill Sr., D-Chesapeake said: “Don't do another thing to hurt black people. The measure could lead to racial profiling. The fashion trend is popular with young black males.”
“This is a foolish bill,” said Spruill, who went on to say that in some cases the underwear, usually boxer shorts, comes already made into the pants. “This is going to be a bill that targets blacks. You know who they are going to stop,” he exclaimed.
But Del. John S. Reid, R-Henrico, who voted for the bill, said: “I think the gentleman has crossed the line.”
While Norfolk Democratic Del. Algie Howell, who represented the bill in the Senate, said the bill is about building character in young people. The baggy-pants mode of dress is disrespectful.
“The vote this morning was a vote that Virginia does want to set an example of what character should be,” Howell said.
