Say What? It's Against The Law! I mean, c'mon.. SERIOUSLY!

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Strange but True Laws and Statutes!

Doing research recently for a unit study on "where in the world does it come from?" for elementary schools, I stumbled upon a few websites that had me almost on the floor in tears of laughter... Uhhh... no really! In disbelief I clicked "Search" for information to substantiate the info I was reading, and of course off to the trusted Wikipedia for substantiation once again. Yes, sadly, it IS true... Throughout history people have made - and enforced - the strangest of strange laws and requirements in the governance of their countries, constituencies, states and provinces. Many laws stand today. I'm wondering if this is because they are so old they are forgotten or someone just hasn't had a chance to re-read the Book of Statues to see that Yes, times they are a-changing! Or, in many cases they have a-changed!

I know South Africa has some strange laws, but they seem less strange to me because I have to live with them - the fact that they are RECOGNIZED by the rest of the world as strange, makes one start to wonder.

So on this page I'm going to revisit some of the informative places that had me in stitches for a good part of my morning, and share information about dumb and dumber laws throughout the world. No, not just in South Africa or the United States - some unlikely laws in the most unlikely places of all.

Thanks and Credits particularly to
http://www.dumblaws.com

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Thank you SquidAngelItsAngel for your SquidAngel blessing.

And in the US of A...

In Alabama

It is illegal to maim oneself to escape duty.
It is considered an offense to open an umbrella on a street, for fear of spooking horses.
It is illegal to sell peanuts in Lee County after sundown on Wednesday.
It is illegal to wear a fake moustache that causes laughter in church.
Boogers may not be flicked into the wind.
You may not have an ice cream cone in your back pocket at any time.
It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.

In California

Animals are banned from mating publicly within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school, or place of worship.
It is a misdemeanor to shoot at any kind of game from a moving vehicle, unless the target is a whale.
No vehicle without a driver may exceed 60 miles per hour.
Women may not drive in a house coat.
Nobody is allowed to ride a bicycle in a swimming pool.
You are not permitted to wear cowboy boots unless you already own at least two cows.
A man can't go outside while wearing a jacket and pants that do not match.
One must obtain a permit from the city to throw hay in a cesspool.

In Mississippi

It is illegal to teach others what polygamy is.
A man may not seduce a woman by lying, and claiming he will marry her.
Private citizens may personally arrest any person that disturbs a church service.
Cattle rustling is punishable by hanging.
In Tylertown: It is unlawful to shave in the center of main street.

In New Jersey
Spray paint may not be sold without a posted sign warning juveliles of the penalty for creating graffiti.
It is illegal to wear a bullet-proof vest while committing a murder.
All motorists must honk before passing another car, bicyclist, skater, and even a skateboarder.
It is against the law for a man to knit during the fishing season.
If you have been convicted of driving while intoxicated, you may never again apply for personalized license plates.
You may not slurp your soup.

And in Texas....

One must acknowledge a supreme being before being able to hold public office.
It is illegal to sell one's eye.
When two trains meet each other at a railroad crossing, each shall come to a full stop, and neither shall proceed until the other has gone.
It is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing.
It is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.
A recently passed anticrime law requires criminals to give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed.

'Fess up!

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Crazy Laws and a lot o' laughs...

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In Switzerland...

Clothes may not be hung to dry on Sunday.
It is illegal to flush the toilet after 10 PM.
A man may not relieve himself while standing up, after 10 PM
If you forget you car-keys inside the car and you leave the car open, you will be punished.

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In Singapore...

Bungee jumping is illegal.
The sale of gum is prohibited.
As it is considered pornographic, you may not walk around your home nude.
Failure to flush a public toilet after use may result in very hefty fines.
If you are convicted of littering three times, you will have to clean the streets on Sundays with a bib on saying, "I am a litterer."
It is illegal to come within 50 meters of a pedestrian crossing marker on any street.

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Crazy but true...

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In England...

No cows may be driven down the roadway between 10 AM and 7 PM unless there is prior approval from the Commissioner of Police.
Since 1313, MPs are not allowed to don armor in Parliament.
Divorces are outlawed!
With the exception of carrots, most goods may not be sold on Sunday.
All English males over the age 14 are to carry out 2 or so hours of longbow practice a week supervised by the local clergy.
Any person found breaking a boiled egg at the sharp end will be sentenced to 24 hours in the village stocks (enacted by Edward VI).
A bed may not be hung out of a window. (And why not?)
It is illegal for a lady to eat chocolates on a public conveyance.
Picking up abandoned baggage is an act of terrorism.

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Oh vey! In South Africa...

I'm sure we've got a lot more.. I can think of some without research :)

FACTS: A man who does not pay child support can be arrested immediately - but he can't REALLY be arrested because it is unconstitutional to deprive anyone of their freedom.

A license is required to purchase a television set. (Note here -> A license is required to have a television set repaired or sold also)

In the days of aparthed, all people of colour had to be indoors by 9 PM, at which time a siren was sounded. (Not technically correct, although there were curfews in certain regions)

Young people wearing bathing suits are prohibited from sitting less than 12 inches apart.

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No, seriously!

Are you serious?

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In Australia

Children may not purchase cigarettes, but they may smoke them.
You may never leave your car keys in an unattended vehicle.
It is illegal to walk on the right hand side of a footpath.
It is illegal to roam the streets wearing black clothes, felt shoes and black shoe polish on your face as these items are the tools of a cat burgular.
Under Australian Communications Authority (ACA) regulations, a modem can't pick up on the first ring.
Only licensed electricians may change a light bulb.
It is illegal to wear hot pink pants after midday Sunday.
You must have a neck to knee swimsuit in order to swim at Brighton Beach.
Lawmakers are proposing a new law that will not allow anyone to come closer than 100 meters from a dead whale's carcass.

Credit Image Clipartof.com Dennis Holmes Designs (c)

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  • Padaneis Jul 11, 2011 @ 4:42 pm | delete
    Really crazy laws... very interesting info, anyway. Bests!
  • Donnette Jul 12, 2011 @ 2:31 am | delete
    thank you so much for visiting and leaving a message!
  • JoshK47 Jul 9, 2011 @ 8:32 am | delete
    I've always loved crazy laws, I often wonder who had a big problem with such things in order to pass the law in the first place!
  • Donnette Jul 10, 2011 @ 5:53 am | delete
    haahaa as I'm reading these laws I was wondering all sorts of things, and that amongst them... "What happened to YOU that you don't want a bed hanging out the window? " LOLOL.. thanks again for visiting, i LOVE to see you in my neighborhood.
  • karmicchristian Jul 7, 2011 @ 9:51 am | delete
    I am not going anywhere near these places! I surrender my passport. I am happy where I am! LOL. You made my day! Thank you for sharing. :)
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Donnette

Proud Squidoo Rocketmom and Giant Squid :) I am me, first and foremost mom to 6 blessings, a HUGE fan of REAL people... I like to laugh! more »

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