These Strange Laws Remind Us All That The World Is Basically Run By Weirdos
Every town has that one of those outdated laws that no one follows but is still on the books. Usually, it's something that made sense at the time, but now our society has outgrown it like, "No kissing in public on Sundays." But other times, these strange laws make absolutely no sense.
These are the ones that didn't make sense at the time and are even weirder now. Seriously, why does Turkey have a divorce law about coffee? These weird laws didn't age well, but at least they are entertaining.
Poland Hates Winnie The Pooh Because He Has No Pants
If you live in Tuszyn, Poland, don't even think about venturing in the Hundred Acre Wood. Winnie the Pooh is banned from the city because he's an "inappropriate hermaphrodite."
Basically, they outlawed him because he doesn't wear pants or have genitals. How rude.
Don't Try Reincarnating In China, It's Banned
In China, Buddhist monks are banned from reincarnating without the government's permission. I'm not really sure how they enforce this law unless they know what the monk will reincarnate as, but that sounds like an entirely different problem.
This law sounds about as useless as a screen door on a submarine.
If You Can Find Bigfoot, You Can't Kill Him
For some strange reason, the province of British Columbia in Canada made it illegal to kill Bigfoot. The same law exists in Skamania County, Washington. There, you can get up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine if you kill a Sasquatch.
It may seem ridiculous, but I guess if you can find him they want to keep him alive.
Waiters And Waitresses Can't Pester Hollywood Directors
Photo credit: Getty Images
This law In Los Angeles, California makes it illegal for a waiter or waitress to say, "I'm really an actor/actress" while on the job. The law was meant to protect Hollywood directors and producers from having to hold auditions 24/7.
Joke's on them though, because the law doesn't include coffee shop baristas.
Don't Frown At My Dog In Oklahoma
You can't make an ugly face at a dog in Oklahoma. Seriously. You're only allowed to treat doggos the way they deserve to be treated, with love and kindness.
Most dog owners probably don't have to worry about this. How can you be mean to a sweet, innocent little pupper?
Coffee Was Grounds For Divorce In Turkey
A Turkish law from 1495 made it legal for a woman to divorce if her husband "does not provide her with the daily quota of coffee."
Aside from being ridiculous, that law was incredibly forward thinking when you consider the fact that no-fault divorce only became fully legal in America in 1969.
In China, You Can't Avoid Going Home To Visit Your Parents
American millennials wouldn't last more than a month if they had to legally visit their parents. China passed a law in July 2013 that made it illegal for adult children to not visit their parents “often” in China.
The law also states the kids are required to fulfill their parents' spiritual needs. I guess it's the least we can do since they, you know, raised us.
One Vibrator at a Time in Arizona
Arizona isn't totally against restricting your "me time," but don't try to have too much of it. In Arizona, having more than two vibrators in your home is illegal.
If you own more than two at one time, you can be subject to criminal possession the same as if you were illegally carrying a firearm.
In Britain, You Can't Handle A Salmon In "Suspicious Circumstances"
I'm not sure what makes salmon handling suspicious, but Obama seems pretty shifty here. I think anyone handling a salmon might look a little... fishy.
The law was put through in 1986 under the "Salmon Act" to stop illegal fishing, but they could have chosen better wording.
Pennsylvania Outlawed One Of The Best Tricks In The Book
In the entire state of Pennsylvania, it is illegal to tie a dollar bill to a string and pull it away when someone tries to pick it up.
I bet this law only exists because one gullible governor kept getting pranked by the neighborhood kids and got back at them in the only way they knew how to.
Wives In Samoa Don't Have To Worry About Forgetful Husbands
In Samoa, it is illegal to forget your wife’s birthday. Women of the world unite and move to Samoa so that you don't have to be disappointed each year when your husband forgets the most important day, ever.
Whatever wife got mad enough to draft a new law, you're an unsung hero.
When In Greece, Don't Forget Your Crocs
In historically preserved areas like the Acropolis, you're not allowed to wear high heels or any footwear that will damage the ancient sites.
Honestly, if Rihanna can walk that confidently over a grate in high heels then I believe she could walk over an ancient monument without damaging it.
Something Very Unholy Was Happening On The Steps Of Alabama's Churches
There is a weirdly specific law in Birmingham, Alabama, that says it is illegal to have sex on the steps of a church at night.
We're not sure how many times a priest had to interrupt two teenagers awkwardly, but it was enough times to have a law made about it.
In Texas, If You Want To Commit A Crime You Have To Fess Up First
In Texas, you have to give 24 hours notice to the police if you want to commit a crime. Don't worry, they make it easy for you by giving you the option to confess either orally or in written form.
You might wonder what criminal is dumb enough to do something like that, but there are some pretty dimwitted criminals out there.
If You Hate Art, Then Don't Live In Wyoming
The people of Wyoming must be pretty creative because the state passed a law that says any building worth of over $100,000 must spend at least 1% on artwork.
It's not a bad idea. New York City is filled with aspiring artists so we're sure there's more than enough to go around.
You'll Always Be Able To Find A Bathroom In Scotland
In Scotland, it's illegal to turn anyone away if they knock on your door and ask to use the bathroom. Maybe the Scots are more friendly than they seem.
This is way different than the custom in France where you have to pay to use a public restroom.
Sorry Boys, No Crotch-Grabbing In Milan
In Milan, Italy, it is illegal for any man to grab with crotch in public, even if it's "for luck." I've never heard of someone doing that for luck but hey, everyone's a little superstitious.
The law only applies to men though, so ladies can grab themselves all they want.
Unmarried Women Can't Go Skydiving On Sundays In Florida
Florida is a weird state, but it has even weirder laws. In Florida, it's illegal for an unmarried woman to go skydiving on a Sunday.
That's just one of many weird Florida laws, including one that says if you leave your pet elephant at a parking meter, you still have to pay for the spot.
There Is Small Fine If You Set Off A Nuclear Bomb
In Chico, California, you can be fined $500 for detonating a nuclear device within the city limits. I feel like that punishment should be a little higher, considering a nuclear device can wipe out all of humanity.
Plus, anyone willing to risk the lives of an entire city is probably willing to cough up $500.
No Fun Allowed Ever In Mobile, Alabama
In Mobile, Alabama, it is against the law to throw confetti or spray silly string, which basically means they've outlawed any fun.
Mobile probably has some of the most boring kid's birthday parties in the entire state.
