The Weirdest Laws Still in Effect Around the World

Around the globe, governments pass laws to maintain order, protect citizens, and define societal norms. But every now and then, a few strange, outdated, or oddly specific laws slip through the cracks and remain stubbornly on the books—even when they no longer make much sense. From banning high heels in ancient cities to regulating the way you eat a sandwich, here are some of the weirdest laws still in effect today.

1. No High Heels at Historic Sites – Greece

In Greece, it’s illegal to wear high heels when visiting ancient monuments like the Acropolis. The law was introduced in 2009 to protect historic sites from damage caused by sharp-heeled shoes, which can chip away at ancient stone. Sensible? Yes. Strange? Definitely.

2. Chewing Gum Ban – Singapore

Singapore is famous for its ultra-clean streets—and part of that is thanks to a law banning the sale and import of chewing gum, implemented in 1992. Only therapeutic gum, such as nicotine gum, is allowed with a prescription. Spitting gum on the streets was such a problem that the government had to ban it entirely. Strict, but effective.

3. No Dying in Parliament – United Kingdom

This famously bizarre British law states that it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament. Why? Because the building is considered a royal palace, and dying there would entitle you to a state funeral. The law has never been enforced (thankfully), and there’s ongoing debate over whether it actually exists—but it’s still widely cited as one of the UK’s strangest.

4. Feeding Pigeons Is Illegal – Venice, Italy

In Venice, feeding pigeons—especially around St. Mark’s Square—is forbidden. This law was introduced to protect the city’s historic architecture from bird droppings and to curb the pigeon population, which had become a health hazard and maintenance nightmare.

5. You Can’t Own Just One Guinea Pig – Switzerland

Switzerland takes animal welfare seriously. In fact, it’s illegal to own just one guinea pig because they’re considered social creatures and can suffer from loneliness. If your guinea pig dies, you’re expected to find a replacement—sometimes even through guinea pig matchmaking services.

6. No Reincarnation Without Permission – China (Tibet)

In one of the strangest laws rooted in politics and religion, Tibetan Buddhist monks are technically not allowed to reincarnate without government permission. The law, passed in 2007, was aimed at controlling the appointment of religious figures, especially the future Dalai Lama. It’s a surreal example of government overreach.

7. No Winnie the Pooh in Playgrounds – Poland

In one Polish town, officials banned Winnie the Pooh from playgrounds, claiming the beloved bear was “inappropriately dressed” (he doesn’t wear pants) and “of uncertain gender.” While this was a local decision, it stirred global confusion and laughter.

8. No Selfies With Buddha – Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, turning your back on a statue of the Buddha—even to take a selfie—is considered disrespectful and can land you in legal trouble. Visitors have been deported or even jailed for breaking this rule, so if you’re traveling there, always be mindful of local customs and religious sensitivities.

9. You Must Smile – Milan, Italy

In Milan, there’s an old law that technically requires citizens to smile at all times in public, except during funerals or hospital visits. Though it’s rarely enforced, the law was originally passed to promote good civic spirit.

10. No Ice Cream on Sundays – Alabama, USA

In some towns in Alabama, there’s an outdated (and mostly ignored) law that prohibits walking around with an ice cream cone in your back pocket on Sundays. This bizarre statute supposedly dates back to horse theft days—people would use the sweet treat to lure away horses without technically “stealing” them.

While most of these laws are rarely enforced, they serve as quirky reminders of how culture, history, and social values shape legal systems. They may seem ridiculous by modern standards, but at some point in time, they were taken very seriously. And until they’re repealed, they remain a part of our legal reality—however strange that may be.