Sunday, May 13, 2012

12 Ridiculous and Bizarre Laws in the United Kingdom


Are you aware of the vast amount of ridiculous laws that are still in effect in the United Kingdom? Most of these ludicrous and bizarre laws are still valid simply because it would take too much effort to abolish them. Apparently, it is a lengthy process which involves 4 stages of approval. So, to avoid unnecessary, tedious and expensive bureaucracy, the Brits still have laws, such as:

1. No dying in the Houses of Parliament

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Legislation said to prohibit people dying while in the Houses of Parliament has been voted one of the most ludicrous laws in the UK. Apparently, anyone who dies in Parliament is technically entitled to a state funeral and the law is in place to ensure this does not happen.

2. No stamp bearing Queen can be upside down

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In England, it is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the Queen upside down. It was probably considered to be some sort of disrespect toward to monarch in the past, and due to English sense for economy and wish not to spend money on bureaucracy, it is still on.

3. England, the promised land for the pregnant

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England will become the most popular destination among the pregnant women when they hear about this law. In England, a pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants, even in a policeman’s helmet if she wishes so. This is really great news for all the future moms, because they are known for their bladder weakness.

4. No intercourse on the church steps

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In Birmingham, after sundown it is against the law for a man and woman to partake in sexual intercourse on church steps. Therefor, I can only assume that it is perfectly legal during the day, or if the participants aren’t man and woman.

5. The right to bite

This one is unfortunately no longer valid. In England in 1837, if a man kissed a woman against her will, she could legally bit off his nose.

6. No Welsh in Chester

In Chester, the Welsh are banned before sun up and after the sun down.

7. Also, no Scotsman in York

In York, it is legal to kill a Scotsman within the ancient city boundary, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow.

8. A barrel of rum when you enter London Port

Navy ships that enter London Port must provide a barrel of rum to the Constable of the Tower of London.
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9. Dead whale on the British coast

If a dead whale is found on the British coast, the head is legally the property of the King, and the tail belongs to the Queen – to use the bones for corsets.
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10. Bizarre taxi law 1

In London, it is illegal for a City cab to carry rabid dogs or corpses. So, you’re gonna have to find another means of transport if you want to get rid of dead bodies. Also, if you want to take your rabid dog to the vet.
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11. Bizarre taxi law 2

In London, it is illegal to flag down a taxi if you have plague. If you get plague, you should probably walk to the nearest hospital, because taking a cab might get you in prison. I like how the same rules apply both for dogs and humans.
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12. Bizarre taxi law 3

But if you really want to take a cab in some of these situations mentioned above, you can twist your cabdrivers hand by reminding him that according to UK legislation, each city cab must carry a bale of hay at all times.