If you are going to Virginia…
Travellers heading for the US state of Virginia are warned that they could be fined $50 if anyone catches a glimpse of their underwear.
The state’s authorities voted by a sizeable majority to introduce a law to forbid the “intentional exposing of underwear in a way that is lewd or indecent”.
The Independent points out that “a flash of black lace or g-string has become a common sight in both America and Europe”.
One republican delegate, John Reid, is quoted as saying: “Most of us would identify exposed underwear as a coarsening of society. Underwear is called underwear for a reason.”
The bill’s sponsor, Algie Howell, reportedly went even further: “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.”
More liberal politicians have criticised the bill, claiming that the fine would mainly be aimed at black communities, where the fashion is said to have developed. Lionell Spruill is quoted as saying: “Please let these kids be themselves. This is going to be a bill to target blacks. You know who they are going to stop.”
Virginia’s senators must now ratify the fine before it can become law.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
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