Norfolk Virginia Democratic Delegate Algie T. Howell's bill has attracted attention from supporters all over the country who dislike the low-riding baggy-pants style favored by some rap-music entertainers and copied by youths everywhere.

The bill was mentioned yesterday on ABC's "Good Morning America."

It now goes to the Senate, where some delegates say it has a slim chance of passing.

Lawyers for the House, members of the House who are also lawyers, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia representatives have said the measure is unconstitutional, violating the 1st and 14th amendments. Gov. Mark R. Warner would have to sign the measure for it to become law.

Some of Howell's fellow Virginia Democrats have said privately that the bill is ridiculous and would be labeled as racist if a white House member had introduced it. Howell, who is in his second year in the legislature, is black.

"Don't do another thing to hurt black people," said Delegate Lionell Spruill Sr., D-Chesapeake, who is black. Spruill said the measure could lead to racial profiling. The fashion trend is popular with young black males.

"This is a foolish bill," said Spruill, who said that in some cases the underwear, usually boxer shorts, comes already made into the pants.

"This is going to be a bill that targets blacks," he said. "You know who they are going to stop."

Spruill said the House members who are lawyers and who voted for the bill should be ashamed of their votes.

He also took a swipe at Howell, saying it was a "sad day for Norfolk Virginia because of the person they elected to represent them."

At that, Virginia Delegate John S. Reid, R-Henrico, who voted for the bill, jumped up to interrupt Spruill.

"I think the gentleman has crossed the line," Reid said.

After the vote, Howell repeated his contention that the bill is about building character in young people. The baggy-pants mode of dress, he said, is disrespectful.

"The vote this morning was a vote that Virginia does want to set an example of what character should be," Howell said.

* Written by Tammie Smith for the Richmond Times-Dispatch 2-9-05, Richmond, Virginia. Contact Tammie Smith at (804) 649-6572 or tlsmith@timesdispatch.com