1. No Singing in the Bathtub in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s prohibition on singing in the bathtub is as puzzling as it is outdated. This quirky law likely originated from concerns about safety—perhaps someone worried about slips or water accidents. In today’s world, with modern non-slip designs and advanced safety standards, this rule feels out of tune. It’s high time Pennsylvania updated its priorities and let its residents sing freely in their soapy sanctuaries.
2. No ‘Dangerous’ Dances in New York
The Big Apple’s love for music and movement clashes with an old regulation requiring a special license to allow dancing in certain venues. Born during Prohibition to monitor gatherings at speakeasies, this law is a relic of a bygone era. With no more bootleg booze to worry about, it’s absurd that this rule still lingers. Modern New York deserves to dance without red tape.
3. Georgia: No Donkeys in Bathtubs
Yes, in Georgia, it’s illegal to let a donkey sleep in a bathtub. This curious law likely arose from public nuisance concerns, as donkeys in tubs could lead to some odd situations. However, in today’s world, it’s hard to see the harm in a donkey having a soak—as long as it’s your tub. Let’s leave this outdated regulation in the past where it belongs.
4. Kansas: No Cherry Pie with Ice Cream on Sundays
Serving cherry pie with ice cream on a Sunday in Kansas might technically break the law. Likely rooted in old Sabbath restrictions to curb indulgence, this rule feels absurd in an era where Sundays are for brunch and desserts. It’s time for Kansans to fully enjoy their sweets without the fear of legal trouble.
5. Alabama: No Dominoes on Sundays
In Alabama, breaking out a game of dominoes on a Sunday could still technically land you in hot water. This peculiar prohibition may have been tied to religious observances or concerns over rowdiness in the 1800s. Today, it’s little more than an amusing anecdote about a rule that has far outlived its relevance.
6. Hawaii: No Coins in Your Ears
Hawaii has a law forbidding anyone from placing coins in their ears. Initially created to combat street magic scams, this regulation now feels more like a quirky trivia fact than a practical safeguard. Modern Hawaiians have bigger concerns than coin tricks, making this rule ripe for repeal.
7. Indiana: No Catching Fish with Bare Hands
Hand-fishing, or “noodling,” is off-limits in Indiana. Enacted to protect fish populations and perhaps the noodlers themselves, this law dates back to a time of fewer ecological protections. With modern fishing regulations in place, this rule could be retired—or at least adjusted for a bit of harmless fun.
8. Connecticut: Selling Used Mattresses Requires Clear Labeling
In Connecticut, you’re legally required to label a used mattress as “used” before selling it. Originally meant to safeguard hygiene, this law seems redundant in today’s era of stringent health regulations. It’s time to streamline rules like this for simplicity and practicality.
9. Missouri: No Chewing Gum on Public Buses
Chewing gum on public buses is technically banned in Missouri, a rule established in the 1950s to maintain cleanliness. While gum still has its sticky pitfalls, modern cleaning tools and better awareness make this law unnecessary. It’s one sticky situation that doesn’t need to stay stuck in the past.
10. No Roosters in Baltimore, Maryland
In Baltimore, raising a rooster is against the law, stemming from noise complaints in the 1800s. Urban noise today includes everything from car alarms to construction, so why single out roosters? Revisiting this law could bring a touch of farm life back to city living.
11. Colorado: No Catapults Allowed
Dreaming of medieval warfare reenactments in Colorado? Think again—catapults are banned. While this law might have had its reasons in an earlier era, it now feels more like a fantasy novel’s plot than a necessary regulation. The modern era has little need for catapult control.
12. Idaho: No Sweeping Dirt into the Street
Idaho prohibits sweeping dirt from your house directly onto the street—a law likely created to maintain town cleanliness. While it makes sense to tidy responsibly, this rule feels a bit dated given today’s modern waste disposal systems. Let’s sweep this one off the books.
13. Iowa: Mustaches and Public Kisses Don’t Mix
In Ottumwa, Iowa, a man with a mustache is technically barred from kissing a woman in public. This relic of a modesty or hygiene-related rule feels absurd in a time of diverse grooming styles and public affection norms. It’s definitely a law that needs a trim.
