12 Strange Laws of The World
We human beings are always excited to get some crazy updates from the world. After reading this title, you might be eager to explore what is wrapped inside. Well, it is definitely interesting!
In this article, we are going to talk about some strange laws in the different corners of the world. For the people living at those set locations, these rules might be a part of their usual lifestyle and know no different. But for the rest of the world, they might seem oddly strange and hard to believe.
Below we have compiled 12 strange laws that will make you think WTF!
#1. France
Women in Paris were not allowed to wear pants:
A strange law was passed in Paris in the year 1799, according to which women cannot wear pants while moving out in public places. If they want to do so, they need special approval from state police. Stats reveal that this law was amended once in 1892 when jurisdiction allowed women to wear sports trousers for horse riding activities. Later, the law was updated again in 1909 to permit wearing pants while riding bicycles. However, the 214-year-old law was revoked again by the French government in the year 2012.
#2. Australia
It’s illegal to crush beer cans between your breasts:
OK, I’m sure we don’t need to warn a lot of ladies about this strange law, but just in case you love to crush beer cans between your breasts, then you may want to reframe yourself from doing this interesting act in Western Australia. One barmaid found herself guilty of this offense and had to pay a $1000 fine.
#3. Oklahoma
You cannot make ugly faces at a dog in Oklahoma:
I personally think this law is humorous and brilliant! If you are planning to visit Oklahoma in upcoming vacations, learn to be loving and caring towards dogs! You may have to spend a night in jail if you are caught making funny or ugly faces at a dog. Well, in one way, this law is really good; after all, it teaches us human beings to love and respect our beloved pets and other animals as well.:)
#4. Saudi Arabia
Women were not allowed drive cars in Saudi Arabia:
#5. Samoa
It is illegal to forget the birthday of your wife in Samoa:
This law is one of the strangest laws on the list, yet for you ladies out there, this will bring a great smile on your face. We understand that you are always curious to celebrate your birthday, and the wishes from your life partner matter the most to you. The Samoan ladies are lucky enough to celebrate their birthday every year with more fun as it is illegal for men to forget his wife’s special day. A single moment of forgetfulness can lead to either the jailhouse or the doghouse!
#6. Philippines/Vatican
No divorce in the Vatican and Philippines:
Once you get married, you cannot separate from your partner in the Vatican and Philippines. These two countries in the world have declared divorce illegal. You can find some way to proceed with divorce in the Vatican, but if we talk about the Philippines, there is no way to apply for divorce for people living in this country unless one spouse is a homosexual or has drug or alcohol problems. There are some exceptions in the rule for the Muslim community only, but they too can have divorce in some typical circumstances.
#7. Japan
People are not allowed to be overweight in Japan:
Watch out for the fat police! OK, although it’s highly unlikely you’ll see police arresting overweight people in the street of Japan, you will be surprised to know that it is actually illegal to be overweight for the people living in Japan. Although Japan is the country that gave birth to the sumo wrestling; but as per Metabo Law, above 40 age group, men and woman are required to stay under a waist circumference of 33.5 and 35.4 inches.
#8. Fiji
You can’t sunbathe naked:
In the friendly country of Fiji, it is illegal to be naked in public, and this includes sunbathing topless. Before 2010 it was also illegal to be a homosexual, but it is still not yet widely accepted in their culture.
#9. Britain
One cannot operate a cow while drunk:
If you find yourself in charge of some cattle while you’re in England, stay off the booze as it’s illegal to be operating cattle, horses and a steam engine. (OK, the steam engine is fair enough!)
#10. Utah
First cousins cannot marry in Utah:
Here is another unusual law. First cousins are not allowed to get married to each other in Utah. However, if you wanted to, you could wait until you are both over the age of 65 years old! Could this have something to do with being infertile perhaps?! Hmm
#11. Singapore
It’s illegal to chew gum in Singapore:
If you are madly in love with chewing gum, you may not want to do it in Singapore! If you are caught chewing gum in Singapore you could be forced to pay a fine between 500USD and 1000USD. While if you are caught dealing it you could pay a fine of up to $100,000 USD and a prison sentence of up to two years! WTF!
It is illegal to chew gum in Singapore since 1992, and business professionals are not even allowed to import such products to the country. One can have only nicotine gum under medical consequences, but in this condition as well, a proper prescription from a medical health expert is required.
#12. Thailand
You can’t talk negatively about the Thai King:
Fancy slacking off the Thai King when you’re in Thailand? Umm, perhaps don’t do that. This is considered a serious offense which could get you up to 10 years behind bars! And while you’re at it, don’t step on their Thai currency, (the Baht) as the Thai Kings face is printed and engraved all over the bills and coins; and therefore stepping on his face is considered illegal!
We hope you enjoyed reading some of our strange laws of the world! What are some strange laws you know? Comment below!
Emmy is the founder and content writer at woopdedo. With a background in the performing arts, she then had a career working on cruise ships, until she decided to return to NZ where she spends most of her time storytelling and freelance writing. You can contact her on the social media links below or visit the work with us page.