Top Ten International Dumb Laws

Dumb laws aren’t just written in the U.S. They’re written everywhere! And while different cultures have different viewpoints that should be respected, some laws just transcend the cultural divide as to what’s considered dumb.

These laws are via dumblaws.com.

10. Chewing gum cannot be legally sold in Singapore.

Image via Wikipedia

This is one of many laws throughout the world where seemingly innocent candy is deemed illicit. And it begs the question: why? What’s wrong with bubble gum? In fact, science has proven that sugar-free gum is actually healthy because it forces the mouth to salivate, which helps rid the mouth of cavity-causing bacteria. Furthermore, it’s also known to relieve stomach upsets.

9. Electronic games are illegal in Greece.

According to dumblaws.com, this law was enacted by the Grecian government in hopes of curtailing illicit internet gambling. However, under the law, any form of electronic gaming is illegal. Good bye, computer solitaire. Grecians most likely miss you, if they ever had the opportunity to play you, before you were snatched away from them. 

8. It is illegal for men to wear skirts in Italy.

Now, some jokers might say: but doesn’t the Pope wear a skirt? No, that’s not a skirt: it’s a religious ceremonial habit.

Kidding aside, the law, as far as this writer can surmise, is most likely enacted to curb male cross-dressing.  

7. If you want to paint your house in Sweden, you have to get a special license and permission from the government. If you choose to ignore it, presumably, you’ll suffer the consequences.

This law was probably enacted to prevent tackiness (and most likely earn money for the government, since a license is required and those usually cost money). After all, a red and black checkered house doesn’t exactly have curb appeal and would, essentially, decrease the property value of the neighborhood.

6. In Australia, electricians are the only people with the legal authority or aptitude to change a light bulb.

This law is very tricky: light bulbs blow out all the time. I imagine Australian electricians are very rich.