Gilliard hitting below the belt?
Councilman has been the butt of jokes about his efforts to ban saggy-pants style
Wendell Gilliard has heard all the jokes about his crusade to ban people from wearing their pants below the waist:
The City Council is finally doing something about all those sidewalk cracks.
Councilman Gilliard must own stock in a belt company.
When saggy pants are outlawed, only outlaws will wear saggy pants.
He's heard it all — but he's not laughing.
Gilliard says wearing your britches like you've just spent three years on the Subway diet is a gang sign; the lower you wear your pants, the deeper you are into the thug life. He says he's sick of going to funerals for young men, seeing all these guys show up with their pants halfway down to their knees. He's tired of consoling mothers who have lost their babies to street life.
It's not funny, he says, despite the snickering he endured at City Council this week.
"I don't expect somebody who lives on the Battery or Daniel Island to understand what I'm asking for," he says. "But I don't expect them to belittle the issue."
Over the past few years, Gilliard has set himself up as the moral conscience of the city. He led the crusade to get rid of the porn shop in West Ashley. Not too many people griped — anyone who might have protested was probably busy getting porn off the Internet.
He tried to shut down all the college kids sunbathing in Marion Square but that didn't go anywhere. Probably because most city officials are, well, men.
Brad Nettles
The Post and Courier
Charleston City Councilman Wendell Gilliard packs up a mannequin that he brought to the council meeting Tuesday night to illustrate the type of fashion that he wanted to outlaw.
This is different, he says. This is not just indecent exposure, this is glorifying a criminal lifestyle.
He says the folks who dress like this are often the rapists, robbers and hoodlums causing a lot of problems around here. Talk to him for a minute and he can sway your opinion.
Still, gang experts with the Charleston Police Department told The Post and Courier Thursday that they had no proof that saggy pants are a gang sign — it's just a bunch of guys showing their butts, they say, in more ways than one.
Gilliard concedes that not everyone with this very questionable "fashion" is a gang member. There are plenty of kids at suburban high schools doing the same thing.
He says the problem is emulating gang members. Next thing you know, kids who dress like this will start acting like the people who dictate their fashion.
You know, like Mount Pleasant kids stealing BMWs and holding up grocery stores.
Gilliard says he's going to work with police and bring the issue back to council next month. He's sure they can come up with a legal way to stop folks from walking around like this. He's serious about it.
"All those people you know and I know that have fought for this country, who are fighting now — they aren't fighting for our right to do that," he says. "Let these guys go over to Afghanistan and Iraq and fight dressed like that. If they can do that, then maybe I won't have a problem with them."
Speaking of problems and the constitution, Tim Mallard got in a little bit of trouble for defending Gilliard's move. He was quoted as defending the proposal, in part by saying, "I don't care if it's unconstitutional, it sends a message."
Well, Mallard says that's not exactly his message. He says the city of Charleston has a big budget for lawyers who help craft laws to make them constitutional, and are always fighting challenges to the city's ordinances.
"I do respect the Constitution," Mallard says.
He's had to make that point to several people this week, starting with his daughter.
"My point is that if we can do something to cut down on crime and save the lives of some of these kids, why don't we?" Mallard said Thursday.
He said he didn't laugh at Gilliard, not once. And he doesn't own stock in a belt company, either.
Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com.
E-mail this story 
Printer-friendly version
Notice about comments:
The Post and Courier is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our Web site.
Full terms and conditions can be read here.
Comments
This article has 34 comment(s)
96 comments
MoveOn.org to hold rally for health care reform 101 comments
Cost for Sanford trips $70,000 66 comments
Digital library launched 14 comments
Attendance up at SC Confederate, military museum 28 comments
Former Wando High football standout dies during workout 15 comments
Suspect expected to plead guilty 30 comments
Chaos on the freeway 115 comments
Posted by frankfurter on August 22, 2008 at 5:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I KNOW ONE THING FOR SURE,HERE IN GERMANY IT THE YOUNG WHO WEAR THERE PANTS HANGING-SHOWING THERE BUTT & BOXERS NOT GANG MEMBERS.I THINK THAT THE MODE NEEDS TO BE CHANGED & PARENTS NEED TO TALK TO THERE CHILDREN,SHOW THEM HOW TO DRESS BELIVE ME THERES MORE TO MODE!!!!!
Posted by eatmorecollards on August 22, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know what all the fuss is about. The police can cite a person for "indecent exposure" already. As long as a person's person is covered its not indecent exposure. If a person's person becomes uncovered it is.
Posted by watchdog on August 22, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is all smoke and mirrors, what are they up to(City Government) ? And if Mallard doesn't care for the Constitution, well he just lost my vote, THROW THE BUMS OUT....
Posted by halfsheli on August 22, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Next thing you know, kids who dress like this will start acting like the people who dictate their fashion."
Exactly. Next thing you know, kids and young adults who dress in expensive 3-piece suits will be acting like the ridiculously wealthy white-collar criminal CEO's who dictate that "fashion" by lying, cheating, stealing, embezzling...
Posted by kittkattsc on August 22, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here we go again with Mr. GilLORD trying to tell us what our morals should be. BEWARE
When I was young (grade school) people were fussing because girls wanted to wear pants in school. Then came middle and high school, omg girls wanting to wear hip huggers and bell bottems. Kids are just being kids, nothing more nothing less.
Posted by desspec on August 22, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good intentions, bad law. They ought to be free to look like morons if they want to.
Posted by jca on August 22, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i am all for this passing
how can you be comfortable having to hike your pants up every few steps.
oh the next ban is skinny jeans and tube tops. its already coming theres some lady pushing to ban tight pants and tiny tops. she wants women to wear long skirts or loose fitting trousers
while im for covering up. and having things that fit on that woman has gone to far and is pushing her religious beliefs on to people.
the saggy pants thing is tacky and gross. i dont want to see your bare arse or underwear. a guy just yesterday in the mall was saggy and free balling. not a good combo and he dropped trouser too. trying to carry his baby daughter and several shopping bags. glad i wasnt approaching him i was behind and was mooned
ban sloppy saggy pants and overly large shirts to easy to conceal a weapon or stolen goods
Posted by STREETLAW on August 22, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let 'em wear 'em. Makes them easier to spot. Has anyone made a movie about this yet?
Posted by onevoice on August 22, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well I read that the ACLU is looking for a cause to defend, let them fight for the "Saggies" rights to look stupid in public.
Posted by suec on August 22, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr Gilliard is a media ho. This is getting him in the headlines of the news so he's gonna ride it till it dies.
Posted by 512c on August 22, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am laughing, in his face! Gilliard, I am laughing because I voted for you, and didn't research enough. I am laughing at you as well, because you wear the tie of your oppressors and spout their rhetoric while proclaiming the rights of ex slaves.
You say you want the youth to turn away from crime, to go to church, to stand up tall and follow your example?
Morality is not black and white. To give without demand is to assume the discipline of the recipient. This is a grave mistake. When in fact most feral cats are happy, we proclaim them sad. When most feral humans are running around without parents that you imprisoned for wearing their hair and pants in a style that is demeaning, but not to them, demeaning to your enslaving nation fathers!
SHUT UP GILLIARD!~ I am laughing at you! But also pitying you, if you want to talk, that's fine. I'm waiting for your reply.
Posted by Marianne0558 on August 22, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Id rather see underwear with skid marks than an obese woman wearing a tube top with her gut hanging over her 5-times-too-small pants and her thong straps hanging out.
GROSS
Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mallard and Gilliard make their stupidity more apparent every day this story goes on.
After having to explain that they respect the Constitution (because their actions on council say different, and we all know that Deed > Word), they go public with the idea that since baggy pants are "gang signs" if you ban them it will cut gang violence! I will (grudgingly) give them credit for realizing that the gangs will just come up with new signs. Let us all hope the new signs will not lead to bans on things the "rest of us" actually like...
Are there any education requirements for councilmen?
Posted by oldglory on August 22, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
kittkattsc - LOL, you sound like me. Although I went through not being allowed to wear pants to school, etc., I posted yesterday that my father came unglued because I wanted to wear one of his old shirts with my jeans. Do you remember the shirts (even better if they were the bf's)?
Posted by oldglory on August 22, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Other states have major ongoing campaigns against gangs. Why not here? Let's first and foremost get rid of crime!
It's almost as though we give power to these gangs/kids by RECOGNIZING their dress code as an indicator rather than recognizing their criminal behavior. What do you think?
Posted by 512c on August 22, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let Them Wear Cake!
Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
After this, let's stamp out the Mafia by banning Italian restaurants!
<oops! as he realizes that may actually work>
Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If this actually had a chance in hell, I'd be all for it. Guys who wear their pants like that are disgusting and unattractive.
Posted by 512c on August 22, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get rid of the laws that allow gangs and mafia to flourish: LEGALIZE THE GREEN~
Even the white. but, if you legalize the green, and one has to go to the Drug store to buy a bag, then we won't see gangs and police collecting the black market price!!!!
END OF ARGUMENT!
Posted by lou9 on August 22, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gilliard is such an idiot. This would be funny if it wasn't for the fact that he is soon to be a state representative and will vote on legislation that affects everyone in SC. Thank you citizens of Charleston for sending another moron to Columbia.
Posted by americanheretic on August 22, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone remember the Mini-skirt? Bad girls!
Posted by squirt16oz on August 22, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The problem is that the black community does not know how to fight the problem—and it seems any effort by others to suggest or help them is doomed to failure without cooperation with the police and local authorities! They're in the forest and can't see the problem for the trees! Having prayer rallies and marching in the streets DOES NOT fight crime nor get the criminals out of the neighborhood. It's been tried and mostly failed ALL OVER this Nation of ours! In fact, it seems the problems worsen!!
Mr. Gilliard and the rest of the black community in Charleston would be far more effective in their efforts to lift up their fellow blacks if they went on a campaign to get all the law-abiding citizens to assist the police and comply with their orders.
When you see someone commit a crime, or you know someone has a firearm, TELL THE POLICE!! When you witness a crime, don't stand by and say "I didn't see anything!" or play the 'brother' and refuse to testify against the perpetrator just because he/she is black! The fact is that the way things are going now, sooner or later, the neighborhoods will fall apart completely (if not already!). Oh, and moving out of the neighborhood does not work! All too often, the criminals just follow their clients/customers with whom they were associated in the old 'hood'!!
And the refrain that the police are out to get blacks—what a crock when you consider all the dedicated blacks on the police force putting their lives in danger EVERY day! They deserve all the help we can get them. The answer to this is if you don't want to go to jail, don't carry an illegal firearm, sell drugs, and/or involve yourself in all manner of illegal matters.
It's a real simple solution—work at a legal job, live by the rules like everybody else, go about your own business and leave others alone!! Then we'll all "....just get along!"
Posted by ysillyme on August 22, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Gilliard~
Very simply put, "dwell on matters of greater consequences".
Posted by MindBath on August 22, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mallard and Gilliard: A closed mouth gathers no feet.
Posted by burton on August 22, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
squirt,
Patrolling the streets does work. If you want to see, join us the next time we go out on a CPAD (Citizen's Patrol Against Drugs) patrol. Our presence sends a message to the bad guys that there are some residents that will not put up with them trying to destroy the community. We also record street lights that are out, abandoned houses that are used by the homeless and crackheads, flooding problems, etc.
More importantly, we get to talk to the residents of the community, recruit them to join us, and show them that there are a group of residents that care and are willing to put their lives on the line against the bad guys.
I agree that this is a ridiculous matter for Gilliard to be fighting. His district has more pressing matters. Like I have said, Kwadjo had his personal issues, but he was the only black leader that seemed to have a plan for the residents in his district. The black districts downtown need an economic revolution to happen. That is the only thing that will get them out of their current state.
Posted by 512c on August 22, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm to busy being a Citizen for Drug Legalization and being at city councils to film the idiocracy to march against unlicensed pharmacologist.-sory Burton
Posted by tc1 on August 22, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Id rather see underwear with skid marks than an obese woman wearing a tube top with her gut hanging over her 5-times-too-small pants and her thong straps hanging out.
GROSS"
(suggest removal) - image will keep me sick for the rest of the day!
Posted by JW29410 on August 22, 2008 at 1:38 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by JustJennings on August 22, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is just what we need - The FASHION POLICE. The next thing you know they will be arresting people for wearing white after Labor Day or for wearing a seer sucker suit without the requisite bow tie. First, they need to worry about their own employees obeying the law. Of course, handicapped parking laws and the Freedom of Information Act doesn't apply to the Charleston Gouvernment.
Posted by iceman1978 on August 22, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by usna04 on August 22, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If this actually had a chance in hell, I'd be all for it. Guys who wear their pants like that are disgusting and unattractive.
------
It may pass. Perhaps not this time around, but it's been passed in other cities across the country. I know of a few places in Florida that ban it, and to my knowledge they passed an ordinance in Hilton Head.
Posted by Rebel_Yell on August 22, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I represent the Plumbers of America -- an informal group dedicated to the science of declogging drains. If my people do not get grandfathered in, there will be hell to pay. What has happended to America!! Can't my people just do their jobs without getting a citation from this idiot.
Posted by Rebel_Yell on August 22, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And what the hell is he doing to that poor plumber in that photo? It looks like he cut off his head, bagged him and brought him to the the hearing. Really, who is he to call out a thug? Arrest that man!
Posted by TheSafetyMan on August 22, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gillard is right on. Stop them before they do become gang members.
Posted by jeff61 on August 22, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gilliard hitting below the belt?
Must have punched his buddy there in the nuts??????