Panty ban plan slammed
Visitors to Virginia take note: plans to criminalise displaying underwear in a “lewd or indecent manner” in the US state have been dropped.
As reported, a bill to introduce a $50 fine for anyone intentionally revealing their underwear was passed by Virginia’s state house on Tuesday, in reaction to the fashion for low-cut trousers.
But Senators yesterday unanimously voted against the bill – with the overriding opinion that it was wasting time and distracting politicians from more important matters.
There was also the question of the fact that the story, which has been reported the world over, was proving to be something of an embarrassment for the state of Virginia.
Sen Thomas Norment is quoted in the Washington Post as saying: “I would find this bill humorous or tolerable but for the indignity of the … no pun intended … international exposure. That this is being associated with the commonwealth of Virginia is unacceptable.”
Bosses of one underwear company were said to be disappointed; Freshpair.com had vowed to give $100 worth of underwear for anyone prosecuted.
Marc Butlein, chief executive, said: “Underwear is not what it was 50 years ago. Underwear has come out of the closet.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
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