An ordinance that would jail offenders with saggy pants was repealed in Marion County, but the woman who proposed the ordinance would not let it go without a fight.

That led to some controversial statements.

Commissioner Mary Rich, the only African-American on the city council, proposed the ordinance. The ban passed in July. The biggest opposition came from the NAACP.

The group was well-represented at the meeting, saying the ordinance that included possible jail time for offenders overstepped boundaries, and could be used to profile minorities.

Most of the council agreed, calling the national attention they were getting a black eye.

But Rich said it was OK because she said nine out of 10 people who wear saggy pants are criminals. She also said they are the type of people who don’t have jobs and steal.

“I’m very saddened by Council member Rich’s comments, which always seems to make it a personal issue," said Rev. Reginald Willis Sr. of the Marion County NAACP. "Maybe if she steps outside her door everyone looks like a criminal, but I live in an upstanding community that’s predominantly African-American."

Rich then gained one other members support in an ordinance that would merely fine people for wearing saggy pants. That failed 3-2.

The ordinance first passed two months ago, but no one was ever arrested. The city’s police chief said he heard dissent immediately and thought it might be repealed.