In every country around the world, there are laws in place to maintain order and protect citizens.
Some of these laws are nevertheless necessary and make perfect sense, while others seem to have been created for strange or outdated reasons.
In this article, we will explore some of the strangest laws that still exist in various parts of the world.
Despite the passage of time, these laws have not been revised or amended and many are still in force. From laws about what you can wear in public to restrictions on certain types of food, we’ll delve into some of the more unusual laws in place today.
1. In Switzerland, flushing the toilet after 10pm is considered noise pollution
Yes, it is illegal to flush the toilet after 10pm if you live in a block of flats.
This law, which was passed in 1972, was created to prevent noise pollution and ensure that residents can enjoy a good night’s sleep without being disturbed by the sound of flushing toilets.
Although this law may seem strange to us foreigners, it is taken seriously by the Swiss authorities and those who violate it can face fines of up to CHF 5,000 (equivalent to US$5,500).
Guess what?
To comply with this law, many Swiss residents have installed special toilet systems that allow them to control flushing noise.
These systems reduce water pressure and make flushing almost silent, so they don’t disturb their neighbors.
2. Chewing gum is completely banned in Singapore
Singapore, famous for being a global financial center, has a world-class city airport with a waterfall, and also has a reputation as a garden city that bans chewing gum.
Singapore has banned the sale, possession and use of chewing gum since January 3, 1992. Wow! Almost 32 years now.
And guess what? Anyone found guilty must pay a fine of $1000 for the first time and $2000 for the second time.
Think you have cash? That’s not all bro. You can stay locked up for two years.
Well, they have a good reason for that. According to them, Gums are responsible for the destruction of the environment as they take many years to decompose.
Did you know that it takes five years for chewing gum to decompose? This is because it is 80% plastic.
3. It is a crime to forget your spouse’s birthday in Samoa that can lead to jail time
In Samoa, forgetting your wife’s birthday is more than a bummer. It is actually a crime.
The small island nation, located in the South Pacific, takes marriage and family relationships very seriously, and forgetting an important event like a birthday is considered a breach of trust.
According to the law, it is not just a crime, but also a form of domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse and financial abuse.
If a husband forgets his wife’s birthday and reports it to the police, he can be charged with a criminal offense and face fines, jail time or community service.
To avoid getting into trouble, most Samoan wives try very hard to remember their husbands’ birthdays before things get out of hand.
According to their wives, some keep detailed records, set reminders on their phones or enlist the help of family members to keep track of important dates for them.
I hope you’re not laughing either.
4. It is a crime to frown in Milan, Italy
Welcome to Milan, Italy where you are legally required to smile at all times regardless of your status, except at funerals or hospitals.
While you might think that this law was passed to erase the atmosphere of depression and sadness from the city of Milan, it was actually created as a way to bring visibility to the city during the Austro-Hungarian era. (austria hungary, often referred to as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, The Dual Monarchy, was a constitutional monarchy and major power in Central Europe between 1867 and 1918)
The law requires you to always smile and there is no excuse for being sad, just put on a happy face.
5. In Scotland, you have to let a stranger use your toilet if they ask
If you want to have a bowel movement, you can knock on someone’s door and ask to use their bathroom in Scotland.
And by law, they can’t refuse you. So simple.
This comes from an extension of the old Scottish law requiring hospitality to be shown to all guests.
6. It is a crime for dogs to mate within 500 meters of a Church.
Thank God.
In Los Angeles, it is a very high crime for dogs in love to mate within 500 meters of a church, and if your dog is found guilty, I’m sorry to say, there will be a $500 fine or six months in jail.
You better advise your dog not to mess with the taller ones.
While some may find these laws to be fun, it’s important to remember that they can have real consequences for people who unknowingly break them.
Which of these laws do you think should be passed in your country?