Did you know that in some countries it is illegal to name a pig 'Napoleon', to die in the House of Parliament or to wear black clothes? This top 10 looks at some of the most preposterous, outdated laws on the planet.
10. Yellow margarine is illegal in Missouri, US.
Did you know that if you buy yellow margarine in Missouri you're committing a crime? A 19th century state law banned the sale of yellow margarine, though "it's been years since any violator was ordered to spread them." Most of Missouri's restrictions on imitation butter date to 1895, and they were last amended in 1939. Although the state no longer enforces them, the penalties could still make dealers in contraband dairy product toast: up to a month in jail and a $100 fine for first-time offenders and six months in jail and a $500 fine for repeat offenders.
9. China - The One Child Policy
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China's one child policy was established by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1979 to limit communist China's population growth. Although designated a "temporary measure," it continues a quarter-century after its establishment. The policy limits couples to one child. However over time this rule has caused a disdain for female infants which include abortion, neglect, abandonment, and even infanticide have been known to occur to female infants.
8. Pillows labeled as "Passive Weapons" in Germany
Hmmm, if you were attacked by someone would you rather be assaulted with a knife or a pillow? Hard decision, but I would have to go with the pillow. I've been in a few savage pillow fights but somehow I don't think I'd feel very intimidated by someone walking down the street carrying a pillow. However Germany seem to think otherwise.
7. The Banning of Electronic Games in Greece
This legislation first came into full force at the beginning of August 2002 as part of a policy to clamp down on illegal gambling. At first it only illustrated the banning of video games in Internet Cafes but in 2003 it was revised to include the banning of ALL electronic games. If caught you could face a hefty fine or even a jail sentence.
6. It is illegal to address a pig as Napoleon
Yes, this is in fact a law. If you have a pig, don’t call it ‘Napoleon’ or you will be summoned by the authorities. The law came after a story on animals where the author made a terrible mistake of calling their pig ‘Napoleon’. Today many people consider the law a joke and hardly anyone respects it, let alone knows it exists.
5. Littering in Singapore is a very serious offense
Littering is a serious offense. If caught littering your punishment includes a fine of several thousand dollars, hours of litter collection, state-sponsored counseling, as well as your picture in the local news. It is also illegal to carry a Bible or to talk to someone about Jesus.
4. Against the law for children to purchase cigarettes, condoms, or alcohol but there are legally allowed to use all of them in Australia
Although it is against the law in Australia for children to buy cigarettes, condoms, or alcohol, they can legally use all of them. However the law makes it impossible for them to get it legal. Adults can not give them or buy it for them. It is also illegal to wear black clothing, felt shoes, and black shoe polish on your face while roaming the streets as these items are the tools of a cat burglar and it is also illegal to wear hot pink pants after midday Sunday in Australia.
3. Flushing in Switzerland
Flushing the toilet after 10 pm where the person lives in an apartment is illegal in Switzerland.Instead of doing something about the plumbing the government took an easy way out by inventing this law that restricts people living in apartments from flushing their toilets after 10 pm. So whether you relieve yourself and leave the house reeking or you just wait till morning, the choice is entirely yours.
2. Honor Law of Marriage in Japan
This law isn't so much “absurdly ridiculous” in the sense of others on this list, but it is surely considered very strange by most and truly shows the intense respect and honor Japanese people give to their family. This law gives the elder brother the prestige to ask for the hand of his younger brothers girlfriend.
1. It is Illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament
The reasoning behind this is that technically anyone who dies within the walls of Parliament is automatically granted a Royal state funeral. Also when putting stamps on your postcards in Britain, watch out! It is considered an act of treason to glue a stamp with a Monarch’s head upside down on the envelope or postcard.
