News flash from the legislature: Tennessee titty bars have come out against the Saggy Pants bill. The strip clubs' lobbyist, Tracy O'Neill, has sent a letter stating her opposition to the members of the House Criminal Practice Subcommittee, which may vote on the bill today. Rep. Joe Towns' legislation purports to make it a misdemeanor to wear your pants so low that you show your underwear or ass in public. O'Neill says the bill as written would apply to strip clubs. She envisions police using the law to raid titty bars to arrest strippers. She warns courts have consistently struck down Saggy Pants laws and none other than President Obama thinks they're stupid. "Any public official who's worrying about sagging pants probably needs to spend some time focusing on the real problems out there," Obama said last November. O'Neill continues:
"Enforcement of this law is destined for failure. Not only are fines & penalties proposed in HB2099 constitutionally questionable, the bill encourages discrimination and advocates censorship. This bill is overly broad in its definition of 'Public Place' and would be considered an abuse of power. The fact that this bill proposes to dictate how Americans wear their clothing in public and private establishments should sound an alarm to everyone who values freedom of expression and personal autonomy. It is not the government's job to censor fashion statements and fads."
