Everyone is aware that weird laws have existed ever since there were lawmakers. I thought it would be fun to look at some dumb historical laws, many of which are still on the books today.
France has a law that no pig can be named or called “Napoleon.”
In Japan, there is a law that an elder brother can formally ask for his younger brother’s girlfriend’s hand in marriage, and both must agree to it.
Tennessee: You may not bring a skunk with you into the state. Umm…why would you want a skunk in your vehicle?
From Kenilworth, IL, A rooster must step back three hundred feet from any residence if he wishes to crow.
Before 1920, it was illegal for women in the United States to vote. When women’s rights advocate Susan B. Anthony tried to vote in the 1872 election, she was arrested and fined $100.
It’s illegal to ride an ugly horse in Wilbur, Washington.
In Wayneboro, VA, It is illegal for a woman to drive a car up Main Street unless her husband is walking in front of the car waving a red flag. Hmm…so what do unmarried female drivers do?
In Alabama, bear wrestling matches are prohibited
California has a law prohibiting animals from publicly mating with each other within 1,500 feet of any tavern, school or church. Hmm…I wonder if the animals are aware of this law.
There was once a Texas law that prohibited the milking of another person's cow. The penalty was $10.
In Oklahoma, it is illegal to wear your boots to bed.
In Beaconsfield, Canada it's considered an offense to have more than two colors on your house, and you are not allowed to own a log cabin.
In Alberta, Canada, there used to be a law that when a prisoner was released from jail that he would be given a gun and horse to ride out of town or city.
Los Angeles, California: No toad licking. This is one that belongs in the “Duh” file.
A law that survives from the English Colony of New Haven, now Connecticut, 16-year-old boys may be put to death for disobeying, striking, or cursing his parents. Yikes—that’s harsh!
Toledo, Ohio has a law on the books that bans women from wearing patent leather shoes in public.
An Alabama marriage law stipulates that a person performing a marriage rite is entitled to a $2 fee per marriage.
Here are some really strange laws from the United Kingdom:
It’s illegal to operate a cow or steam engine while intoxicated.
It is illegal for women to scold.
It is illegal to gamble in a library.
And a law that has been on the books since the mid 19th century: You cannot ride in a taxi if you have the plague.
Those are some pretty weird laws, huh? I hoped some of these gave you a chuckle. Did you have a favorite one? Do you know of any strange laws from the state you live in?
New this fall, Forging a Family in Westward Christmas Brides
by Vickie McDonough
