Laws are meant to create order, protect rights, and guide behavior. But not all of them make sense. In fact, some are so bizarre, so wildly specific, that you can’t help but wonder what happened to make them necessary in the first place.
From restrictions on reincarnation to bans on dancing and even toilet flushing, these 15 laws from around the world are not just real — they’re legally binding. Some are ancient and symbolic, others still enforced today. Whether you’re a legal geek, a curious traveler, or just here for a laugh, these unusual laws will definitely surprise you.
1. Chewing Gum Is Banned in Singapore
Why It Exists
Singapore is known for being one of the cleanest cities in the world. In 1992, the government banned the import and sale of chewing gum after facing massive issues with vandals sticking it on MRT doors, elevators, and public property.
The Law Today
You cannot import or sell chewing gum in Singapore unless it’s for therapeutic purposes, such as nicotine gum. Selling it illegally can cost you up to $100,000 in fines and even jail time.
Fun Fact
Singaporeans can still chew gum for medical reasons — but you need a prescription.
2. It’s Illegal to Die in the Houses of Parliament – United Kingdom
Why It Sounds Unreal
The UK Parliament is a national royal palace, and dying there would entitle the deceased to a state funeral, which is both costly and symbolic.
Is It Enforced?
It’s not enforceable in real-time (you can’t arrest a dead person), but it remains a curious example of ceremonial law with deep historical roots.
Interesting Angle
This law has been voted the “most absurd law in the UK” multiple times — yet it’s still technically in place.
3. Reincarnation Without Government Permission – China (Tibet)
Cultural Control
In 2007, the Chinese government passed a law stating that Tibetan Buddhist monks must have government approval to reincarnate. Yes, they tried to regulate spiritual rebirth.
The Reason Behind It
This move is seen as part of China’s effort to control religious practices and the selection of future Dalai Lamas.
Global Backlash
The law has been widely criticized internationally as a suppression of religious freedom.
4. No High Heels at Ancient Sites – Greece
Protecting Historical Heritage
Greece banned the wearing of high-heeled shoes at important archaeological sites like the Acropolis in 2009 to protect centuries-old stones from damage.
What Happens If You Break It?
You can be fined or asked to leave the site immediately. Enforcement is stricter during tourist season.
Cultural Respect
It’s part of Greece’s larger commitment to preserving historical treasures — even from fashion trends.
5. Feeding Pigeons Is Illegal – Venice, Italy
Bird Ban Origins
Venice outlawed feeding pigeons in 2008, particularly in tourist hotspots like Piazza San Marco, to protect ancient buildings from acidic droppings.
The Fine
Feeding pigeons can earn you a fine of up to €500.
Venice Today
The city now actively discourages pigeon feeding with signage and regular patrols, keeping the iconic square cleaner and safer.
6. No Winnie the Pooh in Playgrounds – Poland
Why Pooh Got Banned
In a Polish town named Tuszyn, Winnie the Pooh was banned from children’s playgrounds due to concerns about his lack of pants and ambiguous gender identity.
Official Statement
The town council stated that the bear was “half-naked” and not a good role model for children.
Reaction
The decision sparked laughter and outrage across Europe but remains one of the weirdest pop-culture bans to date.
7. You Can’t Step on Money – Thailand
A Matter of Respect
Thai currency features the image of the King. Stepping on money is considered deeply disrespectful and can result in criminal charges.
Legal Consequence
Depending on the intent, this act could be viewed as defamation against the monarchy — a serious crime in Thailand.
Tourist Warning
Even unintentional actions like kicking a dropped coin can land foreigners in legal trouble.
8. No Camouflage Clothing – Caribbean Nations
Who’s Affected?
Tourists visiting countries like Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago should avoid wearing camo print.
The Reason
Camouflage is reserved for the military only. Wearing it as a civilian is seen as impersonation and could confuse authorities.
Penalty
Tourists have been detained, fined, or made to change before entering public venues.
9. You Can’t Wear a Suit of Armor in UK Parliament
A Medieval Relic
This law dates back to 1313, when wearing armor inside Parliament was seen as a show of force.
Still in Law Books
Though ceremonial, it remains an active statute in UK law.
Real-Life Application
Nobody’s tried to test it in modern times — yet.
10. It’s Illegal to Forget Your Wife’s Birthday – Samoa
Marital Law, Literally
In Samoa, forgetting your wife’s birthday can be legally punished. Though more symbolic than enforced, it’s part of maintaining marital harmony.
Cultural Importance
Birthdays and family events are taken very seriously in Pacific Island culture.
Moral of the Story
Set a reminder — seriously.
11. No Public Dancing After Midnight – Japan
The Dance Ban
For years, Japan banned dancing in public after midnight unless you were in a licensed venue.
Historical Origin
The law dates back to 1948 to curb prostitution in dance halls.
Law Repealed?
Yes, in 2015 — but many clubs still maintain this curfew out of habit.
12. Flushing Toilets After 10 PM is a No-Go – Switzerland
Why It Exists
In some Swiss apartment buildings, tenants are discouraged — or even forbidden — from flushing toilets after 10 PM to reduce noise pollution.
Is It Enforced?
It varies. In shared or older buildings, this rule may still be enforced through lease agreements.
Respecting Quiet Hours
Swiss culture places a high value on peace and quiet, even in bathrooms.
13. Only Licensed Electricians Can Change Light Bulbs – Victoria, Australia
Strange but True
For years, Victoria’s law required a licensed electrician to legally change a light bulb.
Penalty
Breaking the law could result in a fine up to AUD 10, although rarely enforced.
Law Revised
This outdated law has since been amended — thankfully.
14. No Selfies With Buddha – Sri Lanka
A Sign of Disrespect
In Sri Lanka, turning your back on a Buddha statue to take a selfie is considered extremely disrespectful.
Tourists Beware
Several travelers have been deported or arrested for ignoring this cultural norm.
Local Culture
Sri Lankans take religious icons very seriously, and tourists are expected to follow suit.
15. Ice Cream in Back Pockets Is Illegal – Kentucky, USA
Horse Theft Prevention
This bizarre law dates back to the 1800s when horse thieves used ice cream cones in back pockets to lure horses away.
The Logic
By not physically holding the ice cream, thieves couldn’t be charged with theft.
Still on the Books
While not enforced today, it remains one of the strangest laws in American history.
Conclusion
These strange laws might sound like jokes, but they’re very real — and in some cases, still enforced. They reveal the quirks of local culture, history, and governance. From high heels at heritage sites to silent toilets in Switzerland, the world is full of laws that defy logic but make perfect sense in their own unique context.
So next time you’re traveling, check the local laws — you never know when your outfit, your gum, or your selfie might land you in hot water.