Laws are usually universally acceptable rules that keep us safe and organized, and let us know what to expect from others.
Laws vary from country to country, reflecting the values of a certain culture, and you can understand if they differ from your own. But sometimes laws are so bizarre that you can’t help but wonder what provoked lawmakers to make the decision to approve some of the laws.
Sometimes, countries don’t update very old laws that look silly in modern times, or a singular incident makes them want to never experience something again, so they ban it.
Bored Panda collected some of the strangest, silliest, and most amusing laws from around the world. So enjoy and don’t forget to upvote the ones that surprised you the most!
This post may include affiliate links.
It's Illegal To Toss Non-Biodegradable Plastic Confetti In Mobile, Alabama
In the Code of Ordinance of the city Mobile in Alabama, there is a section talking about the use of confetti: “It shall be unlawful and an offense against the city for any person to have in possession, keep, store, use, manufacture, sell, offer for sale, give away or handle any non-biodegradable, plastic-based confetti, serpentine, or other substance or matters similar thereto within the city or within its police jurisdiction.”
Paper confetti is fine, but the law is more focused on plastic confetti which doesn’t disintegrate and ends up lying all over green areas.
Finally something good from Alabama. This is not a weird law at all. This should be adopted all over the world.
I wish balloon launches were banned, too! They're horrible for the environment!
This is a great law. Birds can choke on that stuff and it hangs around for ever.
Billboards Are Banned In Alaska, Maine, Vermont, And Hawaii
There are four states in the United States that have banned billboards: Alaska, Maine, Vermont, and Hawaii, where the ban was introduced the earliest. Businesspeople understand that this actually benefit them, because billboards ruin the landscape; without them, these states maintain their scenic beauty and attract more people to visit.
The neighbourhood would look better without them for sure
Load More Replies...The entire US should ban them. They're a blight on the landscape and distracting, especially the digital ones that change.
I am Alaskan and got a huge shock when I moved to Texas. I wasn't used to seeing billboards.
So this list isn’t weird laws then? Just laws people agree with?
I live in Maine, and I never realized that. It makes sense, though, now, I remember driving to Boston as a kid and suddenly seeing billboards.
Wearing High Heels Is Prohibited At Some Historical Sites In Greece
In 2009, the director of Greek prehistoric and classical antiquities, Eleni Korka, said: "Female visitors must wear shoes that do not wound the monuments. These monuments have a skin that suffers and people must realize that." Stilettos can punch holes as the whole body's pressure is on them, so to minimize the wear on the monuments, the ban was introduced.
It sounds like a perfectly reasonable law! Tourists destroy enough sites.
Load More Replies...They are forbidden in Herodion, an ancient amphitheatre at the foot of the Acropolis. It has been proven that heels chip and generally cause damage to the ancient marbles. About time a law that makes perfect sense.
Και μετά έχεις την άλλη να σου λέει ότι δεν είναι δυνατόν να φορέσει κάτι χωρίς τακούνια με το επίσημο φόρεμα που διάλεξε....
Load More Replies...Sounds more like a bad translation. Also wearing high heels while visiting the ruins is a quick way to break an ankle
I would assume the ban also includes things such as toe-plates and other hard shoe-bottom accessories.
Load More Replies...In Capri, You Must Clean Up After Your Dog; If Not, They Will Trace It With DNA
In the small island on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, Capri, there is a local law that dog owners must clean up after their dogs if they poop on the street. Unfortunately, not everyone is obeying the law and to enforce it, Mayor Lembo thought he could take advantage of another existing law requiring all dogs to have blood tests for canine leishmaniasis, and just have the DNA matched. If a person is busted for leaving a mess on the streets, they will be fined €2,000 ($2,400).
Feel like they need this everywhere, I'm sick of going out to the park and having to dodge dog s**t ffs.
GOOD! I can't believe how many people just walk away from their dogs turds. It's not my favourite job, but I wasn't going to get a job if I wasn't prepared to pick them up every single time.
When I had finger surgery, infection was a huge risk. The doctor didn't want my hand around any dog poop, even with a latex glove. I did it anyway, though!
Load More Replies...You are supposed to in the UK but nothing is done about it when it happens. We live in a tourist area and in summer dirty tourists can be very lax.
Good idea now turn the camera away and give this poor dog some privacy
the other day i was on a run and there was this 50 yard strip where people were putting their bagged dog poop in a line. Very odd. with the amount of poop that you have to watch out for where i live, we should absolutely have this law. This could help with human poop too.
It Is Against The Law To Have A Sleeping Donkey In Your Bathtub
In the state of Arizona, to this day, you can’t let a donkey sleep in your bathtub. The origin of the law is actually a funny story that apparently, nobody wanted to repeat itself. In 1924, a donkey found an abandoned bathtub outside its owner’s property and the animal took it as a good place to sleep. While it was sleeping, a dam near Kingman collapsed, causing a flash flood, and the napping donkey was carried by the waters. The people of the town were after the donkey to save him and after experience, considering the expense and the risks encountered by the rescuers, it was decided that donkeys should not be allowed to sleep in bathtubs.
....and opposed to regular inspections of local dams. Good job, 1920's Arizona!
It's where the texas electric board got the idea.
Load More Replies...I heard about this law when I was a kid! It was in a book called "Donkeys Can't Sleep in Bathtubs and other Crazy Laws."
How will they know? Do they do daily inspections? They go into your house, find your bathtub, and make sure there’s no donkeys? Okay then.
Most definitely, come on who would question anyone about a Llama
Load More Replies...By Law You Have To Walk Your Dog Three Times A Day In Turin, Italy
In Turin, dog owners must walk their dogs three times a day. This rule was introduced in 2006, a year after Rome issued a decree saying that dog owners must walk their dogs at least once a day. This is a way of fighting cruelty against animals. The fines can go up to $600.
What if you play all day or have a really exciting day with your do and it’s tired? Also how will they know you didn’t walk 3 times.
We in Germany have the law that dogs need to be walked at least 2 hours per day since this year started
what about my senior dog. He can still handle a 3 hour walk about once a week but he's stiff and sore afterwards and we only go for a 20min ponder around the park the next day because he's still stiff. If I took him for 3 hours every day it would probably kill him.
Load More Replies...You can go on small walks only, and return home after the dog has done it's busisness
Load More Replies...Not perfect by any means, last summer when it got really hot here for a couple of weeks, no chance I'm taking my dog out 3 times a day, it was once early in the morning and once late in the evening. The thought and intention behind it is amazing but it isn't one size fits all.
It's Illegal To Wrestle A Bear In South Africa
In South Africa, you are prohibited from wrestling a bear. Which is weird not only because who would willingly wrestle a bear, but they don’t even live there naturally.
Probrably resulting from some dumb stunt where a bear was muzzled, de-clawed, half-starved, and used in wrestling sideshows.
That's what I was thinking, in which case the law is fair enough
Load More Replies...It may be illegal to wrestle a bear in South Africa, but it's phenomenally stupid everywhere.
So apparently in ye olden days, there were these wrestling shows where people went up against captive animals. My best guess would be that it wasn't fair and square and the animal has been in some way incapacitated. So fair enough.
my first question was literally "where would you find a bear in south africa?" before I even got to the explanation.
Very unlikely as Lions, elephants, giraffes etc. are likely to be found here. The only way for this law to be made because of any bear related incidents would be if someone brought it here witch is also highly unlikely
Load More Replies...Running Out Of Fuel On The Autobahn Can Lead To A Fine
It is illegal to stop on the autobahn in Germany without a serious reason as it is dangerous. The driver is required to make sure that their vehicle is in the right condition to be used, and running out of fuel is not considered a serious enough reason to stop, so it is seen as a violation of this requirement and negligence.
Not to weird, it motivates you to check your gas levels when taking s trip. Someone having to come assist you while you are stranded is always a possible hazard to others.
This is VERY true. Police officers and tow truck drivers stopped on the highway get hit quite a lot!
Load More Replies...It reminds me of this small village in France of which the only cemetery is overcrowded... so it is illegal to die there.
if i were in charge, it would be illegal to cause an accident; and a fine would be instituted for the at fault party for the ensuing traffic jam.
That fine is actually in place and, depending on the severity at least 75€ if you are clear at fault. That's 75€ on the spot, before other sanctions are even considered
Load More Replies...there are gas Stations every 50km so only a fool is running out of fuel.
In normal circumstances perhaps. I have been stuck in traffic before today and it took us about 3 hours to crawl 50km. Fortunately we had a full tank, but it would have been easy to run out had you only been expecting to drive a short distance.
Load More Replies...It's not weird, but 100% reasonable and logical. The autobahn is for fast driving. Vehicles whose maximum possible speed is below 61km/h, are not even allowed on the autobahn, they could disturb the flow (if there is a flow) and lead to dangerous situations. There are sections without speed limit, you can push your car to the max. Theoretically. So, every stop on the autobahn is just dangerous. If your car get broken out of the sky, or you have an accident - you will be not fined for the stop (as long you didn't caused an accident), like when unforeseeable things happen. Getting out of fuel is foreseeable. Easy, right? Greetings from Germany! :)
It is illegal also in some US states to run out of fuel on highways.
Technically true in the UK too, but never heard of it being enforced.
It's Illegal To Disrupt A Wedding In Australia
In South Australia, if you purposefully disturb a wedding, a funeral, or any religious service, you can be fined $10,000 or be imprisoned for 2 years. In the Summary Offences Act 1953, it is stated, "A person who intentionally obstructs or disturbs a religious service or a wedding or funeral (whether secular or religious) [...] is guilty of an offence."
Well, about the second you can't do anything about it so.....
Load More Replies...So we basically have to "forever hold our peace" because "speaking now" would be $10K/2 years in jail.
It doesn't seem to be enforced much anymore, but in the US a funeral procession is not obligated to stop for a traffic signal that the lead of the procession has already passed.
That's because the other drivers just don't care. I always stop for a funeral procession, oh and I hate the aholes who cut into the procession line!
Load More Replies...Originally I thought, psshhhh, what a load of croc. And then discovered the weird and wonderful laws we have in Australia including: it is an offence to fly a kite ‘to the annoyance of any person’ or sing an ‘obscene song or ballad’ in a public place in Victoria; again in South Australia, there is a $250 maximum fine for unlawfully ringing doorbells; in Victoria, corresponding or doing business with pirates is illegal and can result in imprisonment; and finally, again Victoria, it’s against the law to pretend to tell people’s fortunes – or use witchcraft or ‘crafty science’ for that matter – but only if used to discover where stolen goods might be found. Lol
You Cannot Enter The British Parliament Wearing Armor
The Statute Forbidding Bearing Of Armour or Coming Armed To Parliament Act 1313 was enacted in 1313 during the reign of Edward II Of England. The law is still in force today, although no one has been prosecuted for this in modern times. It states, "that in all parliaments, Treatises and other Assemblies, which should be made in the realm of England for ever, that every man shall come without all force and armour."
in 1313 coming into parliament with armor is the same as today coming in with a gun.
Load More Replies...There is a youtuber that actually tried all this things. He managed to enter the Houses of Parliament in full (plastic) armor without consequences. There is another law banning you from "carrying a salmon suspiciously"....
So in the event of a terror threat, security can not use those "bullet proof" vests. Because that is the definition of armour.
In La Paz, Bolivia, Married Women Can Only Drink One Glass Of Wine In A Bar Or Restaurant
In a city of La Paz, Bolivia, married women are allowed to drink only one glass of wine in public. The law is there to prevent them from drunkenly flirting with other men that are not their husband. Also, men can divorce their wives if they are seen drinking in public.
Okay, then, I'll have one glass of wine and 10 shots of tequila please!
Now, THIS is a weird law. Many of the others are about respecting other peoples' space or being decent in public.
So married men can get as drunk and flirt as much as they want? Gotta love sexist laws
Russia, Belarus, And Kazakhstan "Ban" Lace Undergarments
In 2014 Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan introduced a regulation which requires clothing in contact with skin to contain at least 6 percent of cotton. Underwear not meeting the requirement was not to be sold in stores. But most luxury lace undergarments have less than 4 percent cotton in them, meaning that the regulation is practically banning it.
The reasoning for this was that synthetic fabrics don't absorb moisture as well and can cause skin problems. However, textile producers and shoppers were not happy about this and there were even protests against the ban in Kazakhstan.
The cotton must not be from their countries. It can be cultivated anywhere. So, that does not seem to be the reason
Load More Replies...Manmade fabrics are terrible for vaginal health. This is another good law. Kind of odd to mandate, I guess, but nothing harmful in it.
Now that Russia has taken this important step to protect women, perhaps they'll have a chance to do something about their atrocious domestic abuse laws!
Ladies, wear cotton underwear--it's good for your health. why not just do lace trim but a cotton "gusset"--that'd work
Funny enough, we do have Victoria's Secret here in Russia
Load More Replies...Ugh. The reasoning doesn't hold water. Cotton hangs onto moisture; synthetic fabrics wick it away from your skin. No one wants to walk around with swamp butt.
They spoke a lot about this law here but I haven't noticed any difference tbh. You can buy lace underwear just as before. Possibly that underwear meets the new regulations, hard to tell xD
Does it have to be specifically cotton, rather than nature fibres? What about linen or silk, for example.
In Public Pools In France, Men Can Wear Only Clinging Swimming Trunks
In France, swimming shorts are not allowed to be worn in public swimming pools by men; only skintight swimming trunks are allowed. Apparently, it has to do with hygiene, because men may wear their baggy swim shorts as normal shorts and then they may pick up dust, dirt, and such.
I was warned of that in the early 2000s and it turned out to be true. I suspected the reason given here.
It is true... and I hated that. All my classmates and I had to wear tightly speedos. That's how I found I'm gay.
Loose clothing is forbidden at some German pools too, not by law but by house right.
Its ridiculous, specially in men. Humans have hair all over the body. Wearing a speedo wont change much and you are limiting peoples choices. What is the point of my partner wearing a speedo when his back is as furry as a gorilas?
Load More Replies...Baggy clothes can also hinder motion and lead to drowning, and can also get sucked into filters. T-shirts over swimsuits are prohibited in many public swimming pools in the US for the same reason.
We are not allowed to wear cotton bathing outfits here for the same reason--they are actually underwear and they bring all sorts of dirt and debris into the pools--which means more chlorine
Used to be that boys in many US schools had to swim naked. Supposedly, it was about hygiene too.
You're sure the FBI won't kick my door down for searching that??
Load More Replies...Okay... It is a public pool, it is not clean and dust is the least of anyone's concern.
Same in Finland and most Italian public pools. It’s more hygienic
On the positive side, with snug shorts you don't have to worry about being inadvertently exposed to someone's ballsack hanging out like with baggy shorts.
In Augusta Ga. the YMCA will not permit cotton garments in their pools because the fibers clog the filters.
Drunk People In The UK Can't Be In Charge Of A Cow
According to the Licensing Act 1872 of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which enacts various regulations and offences relating to alcohol, “Every person who is drunk while in charge on any highway or other public place of any carriage, horse, cattle, or steam engine […] shall be liable to a penalty.”
Not entirely true ; you cannot be prosecuted for being drunk and riding a horse. I know this as a couple of friends of mine regularly go riding on a Sunday morning, then pitch up to the pub, tie the horses up (with water and on grazing of course!!) and head on in for many, many beers ..... how neither of them has never fallen off and broken their necks I will never know and am still amazed at ...
Some Beaches In Spain Forbid Building Large Sandcastles And Statues
Building sandcastles on the beach is a very usual activity not only among kids, but adults too. However, some adults take it to the extreme, building such huge sculptures and castles that they were banned on some beaches in Spain. Some of the sculptures were really intricate, depicting such famous works of art like the last supper, and artists would take tips from tourists. But it doesn‘t affect tourists as long as they build the usual small castles.
Maybe the sand artists also used fixative sprays or something to make them stay intact. I always wondered if they did that.
They do it. When you see that some of them "hire" someone to care on the sculpture, to collect the coins and so on, you realize that is business, not a leisure activity
Load More Replies...I think it is because those beaches are very crowded and people tended to not take them down in the evenings causing problems.
And the beach (and animals there) can get destroyed by relocating all that sand
Load More Replies...I don't care about that law. That sandcastle in the picture is f*****g fantastic.
1) they add chemicals, even painting ... which is not the best for the sandbeach 2) they are businesses. They hire people to collect money and care the sculpture. Businesses in the sandbeach are regulated.. why not this one? 3) it concentrates people in the walkside to see them and take pictures. At peak hours you cannot walk by those concentrations
Load More Replies...It's Illegal To Tell Fortunes In Baltimore, Maryland
In the city of Baltimore, fortunetelling for money is forbidden and is punishable with a fine or jail: “Every person who shall demand or accept any remuneration or gratuity for forecasting or foretelling or for pretending to forecast or foretell the future of another by cards, palmreading or any other scheme, practice or device, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than $500 or subject to imprisonment for not more than 1 year.”
Today's fortune-telling has been postponed due to unforseen circumstances.
Load More Replies...Good! Fortune telling is a scam. They are predatory and they prey on the money of mentally and emotionally vulnerable people. People desperately want to talk to their dead loved ones, and these people tell them falsities.
Weather forecasters use science. Fortune telling, and tarot cards are the opposite of science.
Load More Replies...this sounds like a good thing. that stuff's totally fake and the people are tricking gullible people into paying hundereds of dollars to be lied to.
In the UK divination is legal, but it is illegal to tell someone they're cursed or or have other ill fortune hanging over them, or to tell them there's something bad going to happen that only the divinator can prevent. I do actually have friends that work in this area, and believe me, anyone who believes in what they're doing would never come out with any crap like that anyway. This law is to protect people from scammers who will milk someone for every penny they have.
And for repeat offenders they will be burnt at the stake like in the good old days.
It’s Illegal To Flag Down A Taxi In England If You Have The Plague
You cannot ride a taxi or any public transportation if you know that you have plague or any notifiable disease, for that matter, like cholera, relapsing fever, smallpox, and typhus. The law is contained in the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1985. Public Health Acts date back to the mid-nineteenth century. Even though the law is quite old and plague cases are very rare, we now know how fast a disease can spread.
there are some little shits that don't care; aka anti maskers and the lot
Load More Replies...You Could Be Fined If Caught Eating And Drinking Near Churches And Public Buildings In Florence
In 2018, the city of Florence banned people from pausing in the historic center to eat food standing or sitting on sidewalks, roadways, and on the doorsteps of shops and houses. For breaking the law, a person can get a fine up to €500 ($610). It was needed to stop people from littering and keeping the crowded historical center clean.
Glad this wasn't in place when I was there. Mind you I always put my rubbish in a bin.
As I have read it was also because owners of restaurants complained that no tourist would eat at their overpriced and scamming businesses or pay $15 for a cold cup of coffee.
Sorry, but NO bar in Italia would serve COLD coffee, unless you ask for it. They are very proud of their excellent coffee. And only tourist traps overcharge, but only a couple euro (as residents would have bar owners heads on a platter if they tried to hike prices more than reasonable). pro tips: go to shabby neighborhood bars for the best espresso, and, especially in tourist areas, make sure that you aren't sitting down without checking first if there's a surcharge for seating (which is rarely enforced).
Load More Replies...then build god damn benches. They sit on stairs as there's nowhere to sit!!!
Nice to keep trash of the streets but this is taking it way too far - people are being stripped of autonomy and assumed to be litterers regardless of the individual
It's Illegal To Sell And Import Chewing Gum In Singapore
Chewing gum was banned in Singapore in 1992, but currently it is not illegal to chew it, just to import it and sell it. In 2004, the ban had a revision and since then it is possible to buy therapeutic, dental, and nicotine chewing gum from a doctor or registered pharmacist.
The ban was introduced because vandals had begun sticking chewing gum on the door sensors of MRT trains, preventing doors from functioning properly and causing disruption to train services. Although they were rare incidents, they were difficult to fix and it was almost impossible to catch who did it. These incidents were just the last straw as the ban on chewing gum was brought up earlier, but not approved. Vandals were sticking their gum in mailboxes, inside keyholes, and on lift buttons. Chewing gum left on the ground, stairways, and pavements in public areas was hard to clean, so cleaning cost more and damaged cleaning equipment.
Singapore is gorgeous. I lived in Malaysia and it was so so dirty. Nasty nasty dirty in the food courts and night markets. Hard to believe they were the same country at one point.
Load More Replies...Good! As I walk around in my area, I see gum all over the ground & I have stepped in it and Yuk!
DNA in the chewing gum? I think chewing gum should be totally banned anyway, it serves no real purpose.
I have a chewing disorder for me it has a real purpose
Load More Replies...Disneyland has never sold chewing gum, since way back in the mid-fifties
When I flew into Singapore, it was illegal to have chewing gum in general. He made me throw it away.
The Citizens Of Monaco Are Prohibited From Playing In The Monte Carlo Casino
It was always forbidden for residents of Monaco to gamble in The Carlo Casino. When Princess Caroline developed the Monte Carlo Casino in the mid-1800s, she wanted all the revenue to come from foreigners. To compensate Monaco citizens for not allowing this form of entertainment, they are excused from income taxes.
What does it implies about them, when people refuse to use the products or services that they provide to others? Like silicon-valley tycoons who do not let their children use social networks... : "I know that s**t, I created it, so there is no way I will ever touch it".
The message here is: We SELL drugs, but we don't DO drugs
Load More Replies...She was not wrong, though. Profit from the idiots but don't become an idiot. Monaco basically arranged that foreigners pay the citizens income tax. Smart move from a clever lady.
Makes sense to me. No income taxes? I can live without going to casinos.
So basically you built a casino that basically no one can enter. Real f*****g clever.
Only residents of Monaco can't enter, everyone else can. There are a lot of tourists who do.
Load More Replies...You Must Provide For Your Elderly Parents In China
In 2013, a new law was released in China requiring adults to care for their aging parents and visit them at least once a year. If the children fail to provide mental and financial support or don’t visit, they will have to pay fines or face time in jail. Because young adults are focused on their careers and want to be independent, their old parents are being left behind. It’s also because of the family planning policies that it is very easy for the only child to lose contact with their parents. And as China’s population is also getting old, more elderly people become neglected and feel lonely. So various measures are being taken and the "Elderly Rights Law" is one of them.
That’s a great rule. Except for the fining. I don’t think it has to get as serious as a law though.
well it would, if you didn't have toxic/abusive parents, I'm planing on never talking to my parents again after I leave
Load More Replies...Stop saying this is a great law. It's because China stranglesfreedom of choice and pension schemes are poor they are offloading their duty on to the younger generation, as usual.
Yep. And their previous one child policy made it so the adult children taking care of their parents don't even have siblings to share the load.
Load More Replies...We have a similar law in France, it's called "maintenance duty/obligation". You are required by law to take care of your children and the children are required by law to take care of their parents. It's depending on the incomes but you may be sued if you don't pay/care for your old parent. It's very difficult to avoid, even abused childrens...you have to get proofs of abuse to get rid of this duty. The father of a woman was in need and the state has send her a mail, to pay for her fathers needs: he wasalso the murderer of her mother... the state eventually stated that the family was free from this obligation.
It's Illegal To Wear A Mask Fully Covering The Face In Public In Denmark
In 2018, Denmark’s parliament approved a law that makes it illegal to wear garments that cover the face in public. It raised concerns that this law is aimed at some Muslim women who wear veils such as the niqab or burqa. Politicians argued that this ban would promote integration, or public safety, or that wearing a veil is inconsistent with national values like gender equality. However, Muslim women expressed that they don’t feel like they are being integrated, but rather discriminated against as wearing veils is their choice.
Yes and a complete ruse to try to mask their racism
Load More Replies...The amount of islamophobia in these comments is downright disgusting. You don't liberate someone by taking away their rights to do something. I am beyond disgusted by the pathetic excuses people are using to pretend that they somehow know what is best for Muslim women.
In France too, and it is totally legitimate. Just don't hide your face in public, it is a safety issue.
how does that logic make sense, now that the whole world is hiding their faces behind masks?
Load More Replies...with no regard to if they are or arent brainwashed they should not cover their face. hijab is something different than burqa. if they wear hijab as a symbol of their faith, ok. but the face should not be covered they need to be idetifiable by police and security cameras.
Load More Replies...A bit off-topic, but I've personally seen Muslim men protesting hijabs and similar garments at a related debate classes because, as they explicitly stated, it was invented to diminish women and it's a culture that should disappear. (Not making a point here, btw, just reporting on what I saw with my own eyes, just giving you something to think about. I find it interesting. )
It's not just about a niqab or burka. It's also elephant masks and helmets (like a bikers helment, that covers the entire face). Yes, I understand that it feels like it targeted muslim women, but that was not the only reason. If we can't see your face, we assume you are out to no good (in a store, if you have a mask/helmet on = you want to steal and make sure you can't be identified). Also: we want to see who you are. Face and bodylanguage means A LOT for communication!
Muslims where the target and it was the only reason. However due to discrimination laws, they had to use more broad terms. This includes wearing a scarf over your mouth/nose when its freezing. Its a stupid law.
Load More Replies...in italy there is a law that forbids to cover your face (you must be recognizable)
In The Canton Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland, Nude Hiking Is Against The Law
Switzerland doesn’t have a specific law against nudity, just a law against indecency. This law was interpreted quite loosely by tourists and naked hiking became a popular thing. People were saying that they felt the sensation of freedom and connection with nature when they hiked naked.
The Swiss people didn’t appreciate encountering naked foreigners, so a vote was held in 2009 and it ended with a ban on nude hiking in the small canton in Switzerland, Appenzell Innerrhoden.
Maybe they mis-interpreted the name of the region Innerrhoden wrong (Hoden is german for testicle)
Load More Replies...This is fake news. No hiker here was ever naked. They all had shoes on.
DANGIT! i was planning on having a big nude hiking trip in Switzerland with my friends next week!
Only one small part of Switzerland, don't worry ;)
Load More Replies...Safe bet that the people Who want to hike butt naked are the same people that you most definitly do not want to see in the nude... No intentions of body shaming. You do not want to see me nude either!
The thing about a true nudist is, nobody gives a s**t what you look like. We really don't even notice you.
Load More Replies...Canadian Radio Stations Must Play Canadian Artists
According to the Broadcasting Act in Canada, the country’s radio and television broadcasters must include a certain percentage of Canadian content in their programs. Canadian content is considered any content that was at least partly written, produced, presented, or otherwise contributed to by people from Canada. The requirements for radio play is to broadcast 40 percent of Canadian content a year, and for television, it is 55 percent yearly and 50 percent daily.
growing up in Canada, I had mixed feelings about this law. looking back on it, though, i have to say that i was exposed to a wider range of music than i would have been without it if radio stations could just stick to the usual top 40.
Living in a US border city, we have access to Canada's largest market and the radio shaped our music tastes dramatically. A large portion of our favorite acts are Canadian and they toured here knowing they had a following. I mean, the Tragically Hip used to consider my city as their second home town.
Load More Replies...Its not like Canada is short of local talent to play on the radio: Drake, Alessia Cara, The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, Justin Beiber, Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne, Michael Buble, Neil Young, Carly Rae Jepsen, Nelly Furtado, Bare Naked Ladies, Sarah McLachland, Bryan Adams, Rush, Joni Mitchel, Gordon Lightfoot, Tragicly Hip, Great Big Sea, Leonard Cohen, Feist, The Guess Who, Walk Off The Earth, Arcade Fire, Celine Dion, Nickelback, Teagan and Sara, Triumph, Glass Tiger, Arcade Fire, Serena Ryder,.... many many more.
If someone forced me by law to listen to Justin Bieber i would leave the country! But i love your comment cause i learnt many artists i didn't know they were Canadian!!
Load More Replies...This isn't a weird law at all. It allows Canadian artists to get air time they wouldn't otherwise--and that is why we have all the great artists listed here.
we have this quota now in slovakia too. it helps promote slovak music and radio stations need to be more creative and give space to new artists if they dont want to play the same bands all the time. there were mixed reactions but at the end i think it wasnt so bad to introduce it
Same in Australia. There must be a certain percentage of "Australian" content on both radio and tv.
Plus we have one station that only plays local, independent music
Load More Replies...Although Canada is larger than the U.S. geographically, the U.S. population is roughly 10 times larger than Canada’s, and 90% of all Canadians live within 100 miles of the Canada - U.S. border. It’s like sleeping next to an elephant. Before the Canadian content law, all you ever heard was U.S. music, and Canadian performers had to move to the U.S. to find an audience.
Afaik in France too. Good idea, on vacation there I turned into a hard rock channel, and some songs were even better than the "big names". ( Tho I didn't understand all of the lyrics.)
Load More Replies...You Can't Take Selfies With Buddha In Sri Lanka
Mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is strictly taboo in Sri Lanka. And when you are taking a selfie, you stand with your back turned to Buddha, which is considered disrespectful, so you shouldn’t take selfies in front of it. They take it very seriously and there was a case of French tourists being convicted under a section of the Penal Code which outlaws deeds intended to wound or insult "the religious feelings of any class of persons" through acts committed in, upon or near sacred objects or places of worship. What did they do you may ask? Well, they were posing for a picture, pretending to kiss a Buddha statue.
Always do research on laws and cultural beliefs in foreign countries before you visit.
Well, people are stupid, especially tourists. I get this one; there are so many disrespectful people who visit holy sights for likes on Instagram without the bare minimum of understanding about the culture
I don't think people in North America understand that the image of Buddha is a religious artifact. It infuriates me when I see cheap home decor depicting Buddha being sold at Walmart or other stores because it's a RELIGION not a style trend. Would you expect to see the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at the bottom of a fish tank? No, because that would be disrespectful. It's the same thing so show the same respect.
It's Illegal For Your Chicken To Cross The Road In Georgia
In the United States, in the town of Quitman, Georgia, chicken or other domestic bird owners should keep their domestic fowl away from the streets or other public places. In Chapter 8 of the city’s Code of Ordinance, it is stated, "It shall be unlawful for any person owning or controlling chickens, ducks, geese or any other domestic fowl to allow the same to run at large upon the streets or alleys of the city or to be upon the premises of any other person, without the consent of such other person."
Chicken suppression laws are rampant in Georgia. How will we find out why they want to cross the road if we don't let them?!
why did the chicken cross the road? to get their owners fined.
Load More Replies...Why did the chicken cross the road? Because she's a rebel and she'll never ever be any Chook
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get away from the cops of course.
Public Buildings In Wyoming Must Have Art Displays
Wyoming Statute 16-6-802 requires that newly constructed public buildings include art displays at a cost equal to 1% of the building’s total construction costs (but not to exceed $100,000). If the total cost of construction is less than $100,000, buildings are exempt from this requirement. The legislation was first passed in 1991. The artwork for each project is selected by a committee specifically selected for that project and its purpose is to beautify state buildings and draw attention to the wealth of artists' experience within the region.
Similar in Germany. Though I think the cap is much higher and you usually end up with huge ugly steel or granite lumps by "renowned" artists instead of giving smaller local people a chance.
The office where I work moved into a new building a few years back. They hired an artist for a sculpture, and he literally took a piece of scrap metal from the new building and said this was his statue. Office accepted it and paid. I am still dumbfounded...
Load More Replies...I actually like this Statute. It gives regional artists exposure while contributing to the aesthetic value of the space and providing a free exhibition for the public.
There is a similar law in France, too... So they waste the taxpayers money on horrendous abominations.
That seems dumb!! Most places display art anyway but it's not necessarily a law... Weird!!
Until 2015, It Was Illegal To Dance After Midnight In Japan
From 1948 until 2015, it was illegal to dance after midnight in Japan. The ban was designed to stop prostitution that was linked to dance halls, but it wasn’t really enforced. However, the new law says club seating areas can't be too dark, which is an attempt to discourage crime. Darker clubs should be governed under the old law and have stricter rules for after-midnight operation.
so like the gremlins. Don't feed them after midnight. Ok... but... when can we start again ? 2AM ? 5 AM ? 8 AM? that's complicated!
Ironic. Japan has one of the biggest sex industries per popular in the world and it protects the pimps not the workers.
Interestingly, you can buy alcohol 24/7, and also from vending machines without an ID (bars close, but at any 24 hour convenience store; alcohol vending machines usually shut down after 11 or 12, except in hotels...)
In Oshawa, Canada It Is Forbidden To Climb Trees
In the city of Oshawa in Ontario, Canada, it has been prohibited to climb trees since 2008. The law states, “No person shall interfere with a tree or part of a tree located on municipal property, including but not limited to attaching, affixing or placing upon in any manner any object or thing to a tree or part of a tree, and climbing the tree.” The city of Oshawa says that they care about their citizens’ safety so they prohibited this activity which can end with injuries.
not fun, but if the trees are on municipal property, this is a reasonable law to protect people and head off lawsuits.
True, I don't think it's strange at all. It's probably illegal in more places than people would think.
Load More Replies...I like climbing trees, they do cause a lot of injuries though so yeah.
I would prefer this law if it was to protect the trees and not use them as advertising posts, climbing frames etc.
well looks like i will never being going here. I climb trees like everyday
I heard that the real reason for this is because too many people were looking into others windows and also hiding from the police.
China Prohibits Unauthorized Buddhist Monks’ Reincarnation
Until 2018, the State Administration For Religious Affairs (SARA) was a part of China‘s government, and in 2007, they issued a decree that all the reincarnations of tulkus of Tibetan Buddhism must get government approval, otherwise the reincarnations would be illegal.
Article 7 of the decree states, “once an application for a living Buddha’s reincarnation has received approval, […] the management organization at the monastery where the living Buddha is registered, or the corresponding Buddhist association, shall establish a search team to look for the reincarnate soul child, and search affairs shall be carried out under the leadership of the guidance team. No group or individual may without authorization carry out any activities related to searching for or recognizing reincarnating living buddha soul children.”
And when the reincarnate is found, the child will have to be approved by the provincial or autonomous regional people’s government religious affairs department, the State Administration For Religious Affairs or the State Council for approval, depending on the size of the living Buddha’s impact.
China is quite evil if it comes to making other peoples religious lives difficult.
They were just creating another excuse to annihilate Tibetan culture. China loves genocides and Xi Jinping is just the Chinese version of Hitler. The sad part is that this Chinese product didn't break after 6 months.
Because of the Dalai Lama. There is an "official" Chinese individual chosen (for political reasons, of course) in order to undermine the authority of the Tibetan Child.
This, among other reasons, is why Tenzin Gyatso stated that his next incarnation would not occur anywhere controlled by China.
At first I thought you were talking about tenzin from legend of korra!
Load More Replies...And in this way they will attempt to replace the 14th Dalai Llama (when he passes) with a Chinese person. They have already suceeded in doing this in other cases (like Gedhun Choekyi Nyima the current Pangchen Llama) I hope that when the Dalai Llama reincarnates he is kept safe from the Chinese govt...
Do catholic saints have to fill a document before they perform a miracle?
Actually, yes, they do. I believe it's one of the miracles they have to perform.
Load More Replies...You arrest the person claiming to be a reincarnatee, you arrest anyone supporting their claim, and you arrest anyone claiming that the state sanctioned person is not valid. Do that a few times, it becomes normal to not speak up even if you are a religious devotee.
Load More Replies...Venice Banned Feeding Pigeons
You can’t feed birds in St. Mark's square in Venice. For decades, you could find seed vendors in the square and tourists entertaining themselves by feeding the birds. But the population of pigeons became so dense that in order to save the historical monuments, measures had to be taken. A municipal ordinance banning people from feeding them in the square went into effect in 2008. Experts explained that the birds were pecking at the most exposed parts of the marble and damaging the buildings, they carried several pathogens on them, and that it cost taxpayers about €275 ($334) a year for repairs and cleaning up.
And their poop is acidic; plus breathing the dust from it can kill you. ☠️
I understand this one, but throwing fistfuls of bird seed at each other and watching friends get swamped with pigeons is still one of my funniest memories in Venice.
The pigeons were there before the 'historical monuments', they should not take all the natural nesting places from them and then there would not be a problem.
Employers May Be Fined If Their Employees Are Overweight In Japan
In 2008, the Japanese government approved a law requiring employers to combat obesity in the workforce or face fines. If the waistlines of employees who are older than 40 and younger than 74 is wider than 33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for women, employers may be required to pay more into the national health care system. It is because overweight people more often have high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose which have to be treated. And for the person, they will not be punished, but offered counseling, advice from professionals, or exercise classes.
some people are born with weight problems, like if they have Cushing's disease. that would be unfair.
Load More Replies...I have mixed feelings about this. I can see some merit in people who make more demands on the health service contributing more, but it's absolutely not appropriate for your employer to be involved in anything to do with your own body. I would like to think smokers, heavy drinkers etc etc were also subject to an additional levy.
As an obese person, I feel guilty for taking up more than my "fair share" of medical services. My obesity is an indirect result of an horrific 40yr battle with treatment resistant depression (I get a LOT of treatment and try very hard.) Many severely overweight people are overweight for this reason. I still feel guilty, though. I wasn't sure I should get my vaccine in an early group, but was told to do so I wouldn't risk taking a hospital bed needed for someone else.
I wish you didn't feel guilty. I see that the world makes you feel that way. You are a good person and you don't deserve to feel bad for who you are or the body that you have.
Load More Replies...The measurements started out as centimeters -- so 85 cm for men and 90 cm for women.
Load More Replies...I feel like it’s a good concept, but it might just make it harder for overweight people to find jobs...
Is this to help curb the costs of healthcare due to problems brought on by being overweight? I wonder if the fine goes toward medical treatment for those that have self inflicted health issues. Not saying it is good, just wondering what the goal is.
In Victoria, Australia It Is Illegal To Fly A Kite In A Public Space If It Disturbs Other People
There is a law that is still in effect today in Victoria, Australia, that states that it is illegal to fly a kite if it‘s an annoyance to other people in a public space. In the Summary Offences Act 1966 section 4, it is stated that “Any person who in a public place flies a kite; or plays at a game to the annoyance of any person, shall be guilty of an offence.”
So basically you just have to be respectful of other people trying to enjoy a public space... Doesn't seem so weird to me... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It isn't weird... until some asshat Karen starts acting up.
Load More Replies...That’s seems fair, but I don’t think you should have to pay a fine of go to jail because of it.
I live close to a nature reserve with huge open sand spaces. In the 1990s large kites were often flown there, but they disturbed the wildlife due to the flapping noise as people did stunts with them. They passed a law that you can only fly a kite with a single string; this way kids can still fly their little kites.
In this day and age, I wouldn't be surprised if someone claimed to be offended, just to be a jerk.
So, if you are annoyed with someone and tell them "Go fly a kite!" The person cant/doesn't have to because they will annoy someone else by doing that? (Please don't downvote me! I've been told I'm humor impaired)
I'm guessing you've never seen the buggies or skateboards that people attach to massive kites, or never been walked into a kite line?
Load More Replies...Close The Gate Or You'll Be Fined In Nevada
According to Nevada’s Revised Statute 207.220, "Any person or persons opening and passing through gates or bars when gates or bars are placed in fences enclosing fields, or in fences partly enclosing lands, and not shutting and fastening the same, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor." The law was passed in 1861 and has been on the books for well over 150 years.
It is possible that the law is the result of Nevada being a ranching state and closing the gates would be important for ranchers to make sure cattle or horses don’t get loose. Also, if someone leaves a gate open, then anyone can enter or leave the property that is not supposed to.
However, there is an additional paragraph in the law that the provisions mentioned earlier don’t apply to “gates in towns and cities nor gates necessary in the approach to any building or works where the passing through or into fields or lands is not contemplated.”
I'm a farmer's daughter, and was taught to leave gates how you found them. If you had to open it, close it after you, and if you found it open, leave it open.
Same here. In the US. B/c livestock can get out and then it's all kinda trouble.
Load More Replies...Cambodia Banned The Use Of Water Pistols During The Khmer New Year Festivities
In Cambodia, the new year usually begins on 13 April or 14 April and the festivities last for three days. Traditionally it involves playing games and it’s a time to enjoy the fruits of their labor at the end of the harvesting season. In the early 2000s, it banned using water guns during the new year festivities in Siem Reap as it was feared that people may shoot acid instead of water.
Woah! Acid! Really! I hate when people ruin fun things for other people. Like snacks on a plane.
At first, I read your comment ' like snakes on a plane.' I had a good laugh until I reread it.
Load More Replies...It makes sense. When yo know people hide infectious needles in fruits, you cannot trust anyone with anything.
As long as the plastic is non reactive with it. We have a plastic bottle of hydrochloric acid that has been in the chemistry box for years and is still going strong.
Load More Replies...It's Illegal To Pay With Too Many Coins In Canada
If you have accumulated a jar of Canadian coins, it could be that the vendor might not take it. There are limitations on what you can pay for with which coin. Under Canada’s Currency Act of 1985 you can pay "(a) forty dollars if the denomination is two dollars or greater but does not exceed ten dollars; (b) twenty-five dollars if the denomination is one dollar; (c) ten dollars if the denomination is ten cents or greater but less than one dollar; (d) five dollars if the denomination is five cents; and (e) twenty-five cents if the denomination is one cent."
This is true. it is to combat people who want to pay a say $300 fine in nickels (lowest denomination as we got rid of the penny)
There's an upper limit for how much people have to accept in the UK too
In Hungary, the seller can also say that he is not willing to accept the trifle if you want to pay with more than 50 coins.
I guess that this is a law in practically every country. In the Netherlands you don't have to accept more than 50 coins regardless of their value.
But how does this work with our $1 (called a Loonie because it is engraved with the picture of a Loon) and the $2 (called a toonie I guess because it rhymes with Loonie)?
In Mexico, It Is Illegal For Bicyclists To Lift Their Feet Off The Pedals While Riding
In Mexico, you shouldn’t lift your feet from the pedals while riding your bicycle, as it is seen as dangerous because you can lose control and crash. It is an old law, passed in the late 19th century after many accidents between cyclists and animals, pedestrians, and most serious of all, coaches. It was also required for cyclists to have a bell and a lamp at night.
In the late 19th century, most bikes probably didn't have freehubs and couldn't coast - if the wheels were moving, so were the pedals. So if you took your feet off the pedals, it could be hard to get them back on again when it came time to stop (by applying backpressure on the pedals)
That's a total bullsh*t, the only thing that is requied by law is to wear a helmet, and they're loads of cyclists that doesn't even follow that rule, and very seldom a cop would stop them. Also you see cyclist going on the pavement/sidewalks or against the traffic. México it's kinda lawless sometimes :/
Right on. Live on land stolen from Mexico and rub it in their face. Stay classy, FG.
Load More Replies...In Some Countries In The World, It Is Illegal For Civilians To Wear Camouflage Print
Some places in the world, like Ghana, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Zambia, and others, prohibit civilians from wearing camouflage clothing. It‘s not that the military uniform is prohibited for civilians to wear, but the pattern itself, like on hats or t-shirts. Only military personnel are allowed to wear it.
I'd love this in the US so we can weed out the pseudo-Rambos from the actual military.
I'm Nigerian and I can confirm that. If caught, you won't be fined but might be detained for a while.
I wish it was like that here in the states. I can't stand the stuff.
It must be because they want to keep track of everyone and they will disappear into the background while wearing camouflage and no one will be able to see them. Obviously.
You Must Honk When Passing A Car In New Jersey
New Jersey Statute 39:4-85 explains the traffic regulations when overtaking another vehicle, which sound normal, like you should pass on the left and return to the right only when you have reached a safe distance from the other vehicle. But there is a peculiar part of the section, saying, “The driver of an overtaking motor vehicle not within a business or residence district shall give audible warning with his horn or other warning device before passing or attempting to pass a vehicle proceeding in the same direction.”
It was on the books in Missouri too. I'm sure they removed it that was 30 years ago.
There Is A Law In East Punjab, India That Requires Notifying People Of A Locust Invasion By Beating A Drum
Locusts can be devastating to a farmer if the right measures are not taken. But how would you know that there is an invasion of locusts? The East Punjab Agricultural Pests, Diseases and Noxious Weeds Act, 1949 explains that “in the event of any area being invaded, or in danger of an invasion, by locusts, the Collector of the district or other officer authorised by him in this behalf may call upon any male person not below the age of 14 years resident in the district to render all possible assistance in carrying out preventive or remedial measures and in the destruction of locusts […] it shall not be necessary to notify every person individually for his services, and a proclamation by beat of drum or other customary mode in the village or locality shall be deemed sufficient notice to all affected persons residing in that village or locality.”
Not just locusts. In many villages for 100s of years, until few decades back all govt notifications are announced by a village drummer appointed by govt.
It Is An Offence To Hang Laundry In Public In Trinidad And Tobago
In Trinidad and Tobago, you can’t hang your clothes on a line that is visible from the street. The Summary Offences Act declares, “Any person who commits any of the following offences in any street is, for each offence, liable to a fine of two hundred dollars or to imprisonment for one month, that is to say, any person who […] (e) hangs or places any clothes on any line or cord projecting over any part of any street, or on any wall, fence or paling abutting upon any street.”
Proud Trini here... not sure if true, but if enforced I am sure every Trini would have been fined by now.
Unfortunately it is a real law hence the saying "don't air your dirty laundry in public" However you can hang laundry from your front yard or patio facing the highway and be perfectly within the law.
Load More Replies...In Harper Woods, Mi, It is illegal to paint sparrows to sell them as parakeets. Courtesy of my Great, Great, Grandfather. Who can say family legacy!
In Germany it's forbiiden to walk over brides in lockstep. The vibration caused by this type of walking can weaken the construction and bears risks of collapsing bridges
In Ireland, due to the findings in a particular case, all laws making drugs illegal were rendered non applicable for a day. Also, after amending the law to allow for Gay marriage, the government accidentally made heterosexual marriage illegal for a day.
How did an article like this get made and Oregon's weirdest law not get mentioned? There's a law on the books here that says that you cannot dry dishes with a towel, they must be allowed to drip-dry. (As you can imagine, literally nobody follows or enforces that law...)
Canada still has a law on the books requiring ALL post offices to provide a hitching post for horses.
A lot of these seem like common sense, or a cool idea (like public buildings having works of art, though I can see how that would backfire). A couple are just downright strange, though.
In Toronto you can’t drag your dead horse down the street on Sunday. Any other day is allowed.
In Harper Woods, Mi, It is illegal to paint sparrows to sell them as parakeets. Courtesy of my Great, Great, Grandfather. Who can say family legacy!
In Germany it's forbiiden to walk over brides in lockstep. The vibration caused by this type of walking can weaken the construction and bears risks of collapsing bridges
In Ireland, due to the findings in a particular case, all laws making drugs illegal were rendered non applicable for a day. Also, after amending the law to allow for Gay marriage, the government accidentally made heterosexual marriage illegal for a day.
How did an article like this get made and Oregon's weirdest law not get mentioned? There's a law on the books here that says that you cannot dry dishes with a towel, they must be allowed to drip-dry. (As you can imagine, literally nobody follows or enforces that law...)
Canada still has a law on the books requiring ALL post offices to provide a hitching post for horses.
A lot of these seem like common sense, or a cool idea (like public buildings having works of art, though I can see how that would backfire). A couple are just downright strange, though.
In Toronto you can’t drag your dead horse down the street on Sunday. Any other day is allowed.
