10 Outrageous Laws from the Past That Sound Completely Insane Today
History is full of bizarre laws that once made sense but now seem absolutely ridiculous.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The legal system has evolved dramatically over the centuries, but some old laws were so absurd that it’s hard to believe they ever existed. These laws highlight just how different life was in the past. Here are 10 of the most outrageous laws that would make you shake your head in disbelief today, from banning certain foods to controlling personal fashion choices.
1. It Was Illegal to Eat Ice Cream on Sundays (Kansas, 1800s)
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In the 19th century, Kansas enacted a law prohibiting the sale of ice cream sodas on Sundays. Lawmakers believed indulging in such a sweet treat on the Sabbath was too indulgent.
2. No Pretending to Be Married (New Orleans, 1800s)
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New Orleans once made it illegal for a man and a woman to act like they were married if they weren’t. Authorities cracked down on couples who booked hotel rooms together without proof of marriage.
3. You Couldn’t Wear Cowboy Boots Unless You Owned Two Cows (California, 1800s)
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California once required anyone donning cowboy boots to prove they were real cowboys. If they didn’t own at least two cows, their boots were considered a fashion crime.
4. The Sun Was Illegal to Set in Topsham, Maine (19th Century)
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A quirky town ordinance in Topsham, Maine, once decreed that the sun was not allowed to set. Of course, this law was unenforceable, but it reflected the town’s frustration with short daylight hours.
5. No Kissing Your Wife on Sundays (Connecticut, 1600s)
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Puritan law in colonial Connecticut banned husbands from kissing their wives in public on Sundays. The rule stemmed from strict religious beliefs that prohibited displays of affection on the Sabbath.
6. You Couldn’t Own More Than Six Female Dogs (Kentucky, 1800s)
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Kentucky law once limited dog ownership to females. The state feared that having too many female dogs would lead to an uncontrollable puppy population.
7. Wearing a Fake Mustache That Made People Laugh Was Forbidden (Alabama, 1800s)
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Alabama once outlawed fake mustaches if they were used to provoke laughter in church. The law aimed to prevent disruptions during religious services, but it left a lot of room for interpretation.
8. Men Had to Prove They Were “Good” to Get Married (Delaware, 1800s)
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Before tying the knot in Delaware, men had to prove their character and financial stability. This law ensured women didn’t marry irresponsible or broke suitors.
9. You Couldn’t Whistle After 11 PM (Switzerland, 1800s)
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In Switzerland, whistling at night was considered a public disturbance and strictly forbidden. The law aimed to prevent noise complaints but unfairly targeted night owls and musicians.
10. You Had to Pay a Fine for Being Overweight (Japan, 2008-Present)
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While not as ancient as the others, Japan’s “Metabo Law” sets waist size limits for adults. If your waistline exceeds the government’s standards, you could face mandatory counseling or fines.