A couple years ago, I did a “part 1” post about weird crimes around the world. You can read that one here. And now for 13 new ones…
Disclaimer: I can’t verify the veracity of all of these, but I’ve tried.
1. the illegality of gum
where: Singapore
The sale and importation of chewing gum is illegal in Singapore, the ban beginning on 2 January 1992. The ban was partially lifted in March of 2004 to allow for nicotine gum. Generally, although both the importation and sale of it is illegal within the country, having a few sticks of it won’t result in punishment. But if you have a few packs or are caught selling it, you could be facing a fine of roughly $1500-$2000 USD. Importing it can bring a much higher penalty, fines as high as $100,000 and 3 years in prison.[1]Singapore banned chewing gum on this day in 1992
2. don’t feed the pigeons
where: Venice, Italy
Since May of 2008, it has been illegal to feed the pigeons in Venice. Both the sale and distribution of grain is now banned, with violations for ignoring the ban starting at fines of 50 euros, or roughly $55 USD. Vendors whose entire livelihood was based on providing grain for tourists fought against the ban, but lost. The reason for the ban came in the form of pigeon droppings and their habit of pecking at buildings in search of food. The cost of cleaning and repair due to the pigeons had risen to 275 euros per year, per citizen.[2]Venice to fine tourists who feed pigeons
3. no lace for you
where: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan
In 2014, the three countries banned lacy underwear. But while one might expect that the ban has to do with issues of morality, that is not the case. Instead, the ban is for health reasons, protecting consumers from synthetic garments that don’t absorb enough moisture, saving them from skin issues. Since most lacy bits are created with less then 4%, they were therefore banned. According to the new regulation, any clothing that comes in contact with the skin must be at least 6% cotton. Starting in July of 2014, underwear not meeting that percentage was no longer sold, nor produced or imported. The ban was heavily protested, to no avail.[3]Protests over Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan ‘ban’ on lacy underwear
3. dancing in the dark
where: Japan
As of 2016, it is illegal to dance in Japan in the dark after midnight, and this is an improvement. Prior to 2015, there was a 67-year ban on dancing after midnight at all. In 1948, Japan banned dancing after midnight, or 1 am in bars, clubs, and other public venues. The ban initially arose as part of the American occupation post-WWII, when dance halls were very often little more than a front for prostitution. Later, from the 1970’s into the 2000s, police often looked the other way, largely ignoring violations of the ban. But a horrific club brawl in Osaka in 2010 led to a new age of crackdowns. The new law allows for dancing after midnight, but clubs and indoor venues must be in light, 10 lux or better, that of a movie theater with the lights on.[4]Japan shakes off 67-year ban on dancing after midnight
4. permissible reincarnation
where: China
A new law was enacted in September of 2007, criminalizing unauthorized reincarnation. The law was/is an attempt to institutionalize the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, which makes finding a successor for the Dalai Lama an issue. The government created the law in order to exert control over the politics and political control of Tibet, wanting to approve any potential successor who must be from China. According to this law, any reincarnation not authorized by the government would be illegal or invalid.[5]The Politics of Reincarnation in China The Dalai Lama, according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, is reincarnated after death into the next Living Buddha. The law makes that 600-year-old tradition illegal. For his part, the current Dalai Lama (living in exile in India) holds to the tradition, saying that his successor will be found in the traditional way, although China has pushed back against that statement, with many expecting China to choose its own Dalai Lama. This despite that no Tibetan Buddhist, nor the rest of the world, would accept that choice as the true spiritual leader.[6]Dalai Lama confirms he will have a successor after his death
5. slut-shaming is illegal
where: Oklahoma
According to 1914 OK CR 29, it is illegal to slander or libel a woman, whether married or not, with false claims about her potential lack of chastity. This is still in play, according to 12 OK Stat § 1442 (2024).[7]Jackson v State [8]2024 Oklahoma Statutes, Title 12. Civil Procedurek §12-1442. Slander defined.
6. royalties
where: Finland
In Finland, taxi drivers are required to pay royalties for any music played while transporting customers. Under the country’s law, royalties must be paid on virtually all music played in public, including cabs. The law even requires consumers to pay royalties when purchasing blank recordable materials. The fee is about 22 euros annually.[9]Finnish cabbies charged for music
7. anti-consumerism
where: South Carolina, United States
Laws about Sunday sales and work restrictions are not new. What is interesting is that Section 53-1-60 of Title 53 lists a variety of items that are illegal to sell on Sundays. The logic escapes me for many of the prohibited items. Some things on that list… [10]Title 53 – Sundays, Holidays and Other Special Days
- clothing and accessories (aside from swimwear, underwear, hosiery, and a few other items)
- housewares and kitchenware
- musical instruments
- electronic goods
- luggage
- building supplies.
where: Vermont, United States
Women of Vermont, according to the law, cannot wear false teeth without the permission of her husband. Technically, this law still exists on the books, although it’s not enforced. Yet another misogynist law of many that are out there.[11]Vermont’s Very Silly Laws
9. even death will not stop us
where: France
Posthumous marriage is legal in France, under certain circumstances, under Article 171. Anyone wanting a posthumous marriage must be able present sufficient reasons why the marriage should be allowed, as well as show the deceased’s willingness to enter into marriage. Permission is given only by the French President. Although this happens rarely, it did happen as recently as 2017 when Etienne Cardiles married his late husband Xavier Jugelé. Jugelé was a policeman, killed in an ISIS attack on the Champs-Élysées.[12]French policeman killed in terror attack married in posthumous wedding
10. close that gate
where: Nevada, United States
According to NRS 207.220, it is a misdemeanor to not shut and fasten a gate enclosing a field after passing through it.[13]Miscellaneous Crimes This law was enacted to protect and contain livestock.
11. no people eating
where: Idaho
It’s not so much that laws against cannibalism that is weird. It’s that it was necessary to formally create a law forbidding it. In any event, it is illegal in Idaho to willfully ingest the flesh and/or blood of a human being, the only exception being in life-threatening situations. The punishment for it is imprisonment for a maximum of 14 years. [14]Idaho Statutes
12. stay in your car
where: New Jersey, United States
Since 1949, it has been illegal to pump your own gas within the Garden State, thanks to the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act. As of this year, New Jersey is the only US state where people are still barred from pumping their own fuel. A bill was introduced to the state assembly in 2022, intended to end that ban. But it didn’t even make it past the committee. A new bill was introduced earlier this year to make any gas station with more than four pumps offer both full- and self-service options, with a required attendant to help disabled patrons. Surprisingly, there is a lot of opposition to the bill, which could mean it may never see fruition.[15]New Jersey state senator reintroduces bill to allow people to pump their own gas
13. keep that pet fur
where: Delaware
It is apparently illegal to sell, barter, or in any way trade domestic dog or cat fur. This includes said fur being made into other items. It is a misdemeanor, violations of which can result in a ban on owning or possessing a domestic dog or cat for 15 years, except in instances where one’s livelihood is at least 25% derived from the sale or resale of pets. Violations can also incur $2.500 in fines.[16]Delaware Code Title 11
How can you outlaw reincarnation? Yikes. China really doesn’t get the point.
Wow. Talk about government overreach. I wish there were still attendants at the gas pumps. I dislike pumping my own gas.
Some of them make a little sense but… What’s the use of having laws when our current government breaks them every day? The false teeth one makes me a little sick.