Have you ever broken a law without knowing it? You might be surprised to learn that some of the strangest laws are still in effect around the world. From the seemingly mundane to the downright bizarre, these 10 weirdest laws will make you question the legal system. From banning certain kinds of clothing to prohibiting certain kinds of behavior, these weird laws are a testament to the fact that no matter where you go, rules are made to be followed. Let’s take a look at the 10 weirdest laws around the world.
10- Always Wear Underwear
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Have you ever heard of strange laws around the world? Wearing underwear is one of them, and if you’re visiting Thailand, you must abide by this law. According to the law, it is illegal to leave your house without underwear. Fines and jail time are the consequences of not wearing any. In some cases, offenders have to pay a fine of up to $3,000 USD.
Additionally, men who wear women’s underwear in public may be arrested for indecent exposure. This law is in place to protect the country’s traditional values and to prevent immorality. It is important to note that the law is only enforced in certain areas. In tourist areas, it is not strictly enforced.
9- Chewing Gums
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Singapore bans the import and sale of chewing gum. Citizens are not allowed to chew, possess, or sell gum. Violators face heavy fines and up to three years in prison. In 2004, the law was relaxed to permit the sale of therapeutic and nicotine gum for medical reasons. However, some restrictions still apply. For example, gum can only be purchased from a pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription. Tourists are prohibited from bringing gum into the country. As a result, chewing gum is a rare sight in Singapore. The law aims to reduce gum litter, preserve Singapore’s cleanliness, and maintain public order. It also discourages the sale of illegal substances disguised as gum. Despite the ban, Singapore remains one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.
8- Two Guinea Pigs
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Switzerland has some strange laws when it comes to guinea pigs. It’s illegal to own just one guinea pig, as they are social animals and need companionship. It’s also prohibited to let them run free in public places or keep them outdoors, as this is dangerous for the animals. The guinea pig must always be kept inside, preferably in a warm, dry, and spacious hutch. Lastly, when the guinea pig dies, it must be buried in a pet cemetery. This is to prevent their remains from being eaten by other animals. Switzerland is clearly a country that takes its guinea pigs seriously!
7- Blue Jeans Are Illegal
North Korea has some of the strangest laws in the world. It is illegal to wear blue jeans in North Korea. Citizens are required to only wear state-approved clothing. Wearing jeans, which are seen as a symbol of American culture, is a punishable offense. Furthermore, wearing them in public is prohibited, and could even lead to jail time. North Koreans are also not allowed to have any form of communication with the outside world. This includes accessing the internet, watching foreign television programs, and listening to foreign radio broadcasts. They are not even allowed to possess foreign books or newspapers. Additionally, the North Korean government prohibits its citizens from travelling abroad, and returning citizens must go through rigorous inspections. These laws are all aimed at controlling the population and keeping its citizens in the dark.
6- No Potatoes
In Australia, it is illegal to possess more than 50 kilograms of potatoes. This law was created to limit the amount of potatoes that could be hoarded by individuals, and thereby prevent a market crash. It is considered a misdemeanour offence to break this law. Punishments range from fines to imprisonment. Despite this, potatoes are still widely available throughout the country. Farmers are allowed to possess larger amounts for commercial purposes, and individuals are allowed to buy up to 50kg. This is enough for most households.
5- Pink Shorts
Did you know that in Australia, it is illegal to wear pink shorts after midday on a Sunday? This strange law dates back to the early 20th century and was put in place to prevent people from wearing too-revealing clothing in public. It’s still in effect today, though rarely enforced. In the Northern Territory, for example, people can still be fined for wearing pink shorts after midday. In other parts of the country, however, the law is not strictly enforced. The law does not apply to children, so young people can still wear pink shorts after midday on Sundays without fear of punishment. In some places, it’s even become a fashion trend, with people wearing bright pink shorts on Sundays as a way of flouting the law. So if you’re planning to visit Australia, make sure to check the local laws before donning your pink shorts!
4- No Climbing Trees
Baffling laws exist all over the world; Oshawa, Canada is no exception. Climbing trees is prohibited here, and those caught doing so face a hefty fine. This law has been in place since the late 19th century. Such a law may seem ludicrous, but it was enacted to ensure the safety of citizens. The city wanted to protect its citizens from potential harm that may arise from climbing trees. Of course, there are exemptions to the law, such as if the tree is grown on your own property. Despite this, it is still prohibited to climb a tree in a public place
3- No Selfie With Buddha
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Buddhism is a widely practiced faith in Sri Lanka, so much so that taking a selfie with a Buddha statue is strictly prohibited. This law is a part of the country’s Religious Cultural Heritage Act and is taken seriously by local authorities. Anyone found guilty of violating this law may face imprisonment up to 12 years or a hefty fine. This is done to protect the sanctity of Buddhism and to prevent people from using Buddha statues for their own personal gain. The law also aims to protect the statues from being damaged by ill-intended behavior. Furthermore, the law also prohibits any form of physical contact with the statues or the use of them in any kind of advertising. This is done to ensure that the public respects the statues and the religion.
2- Feeding The Pigeons
Weird laws are found all around the world. In Venice, it is illegal to feed pigeons. This is due to the birds becoming a nuisance and causing disruption in the city. The birds are known to cause a mess and can be a health hazard. It is for this reason that the law was put in place. Anyone caught breaking the law will face a fine or even a jail sentence. This is an example of a law that is unique to Venice. The government has implemented strict rules to ensure that the birds are not fed. It is important to remember that there are laws in place to protect the city and its citizens. By adhering to the laws, everyone can enjoy the beauty of Venice without the nuisance of pigeons.
1- Birthday Reminders
In Samoa, it’s actually illegal to forget your wife’s birthday! On the day of your wife’s birthday, you must present her with a gift, otherwise you can face a hefty fine. This law is strictly enforced and the fines can be quite hefty. Even if you don’t have the money to buy a gift, you must still present her with something. Otherwise, you risk legal action. This law is meant to ensure that husbands show their wives respect on their special day. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for birthday presents, so husbands can easily find something to give their wives. From public humiliation to more serious punishment, it’s important to show your loved ones that you care. So, in Samoa, forgetting your wife’s birthday is not only a social faux pas, but it could also land you in some serious trouble.
