Lawmakers in Virginia have given up on trying to pass a bill that would have authorized a $50 fine for wearing pants so low that underwear is visible “in a lewd or indecent manner.”
The bill passed the state House, but a senate committee killed the bill with a unanimous vote.
The committee held a hearing that was open to the public and drew a large crowd that included about 75 government students from nearby Surry County High School. Many critics have decried the bill as a silly distraction from more serious issues.
“If people in Florida can wear bikinis, a little underwear showing isn’t going to hurt anybody,” said 17-year-old Elvyn Shaw.
Democratic Delegate Algie T. Howell, who sponsored what some dubbed the “droopy-pants bill,” issued a statement in its defense, saying it was “in direct response to a number of my constituents who found this to be a very important issue.”