Weird Social Lifestyle Laws from Around the World

Every nation has its customs and traditions, which might differ significantly from what we are accustomed to. Technology lawyers EM Law identified some of the most unusual laws that still exist in the UK, some of which you can see in the full details here.

It is important to note that there are also weird laws around the world that can get you into trouble if you aren’t aware of them. Many practices distinguish each culture, ranging from the cuisine we consume to how we greet one another, thus making different countries have unusual and even absurd laws.

Let’s explore some of the UK’s and the rest of the world’s lifestyle laws. 

1. In the UK, it is illegal to gamble in a library

There is legislation in the United Kingdom that prohibits gambling in a library as per the Libraries Offences Act 1898. This is in place to protect people from engaging in activities that may disturb other library patrons. Gambling may be noisy and disruptive if individuals continuously get up to place bets or collect winnings. 

2. It is illegal to dress up as a police officer in the UK

It is illegal in the United Kingdom to dress up as a police officer or a member of the armed forces. This law aims to prevent anyone from impersonating these professionals on purpose because members of the ‌public can easily be deceived by thinking someone is an actual police officer if they are dressed up as one. 

If people wore a uniform pretending to be an officer, they could take things too far in exerting their perceived power and authority. Section 90 of the Police Act 1996 forbids anyone to pretend to dress up as a police officer and if anyone gets caught, they could be liable to pay a serious fine as well as receive imprisonment for up to 6 months. 

3. Kissing on Trains in France

France has a unique law that pertains to kissing on trains. The law explicitly states that it is illegal to kiss on trains that are in motion. The reasoning for the law is that kissing might distract train conductors and cause accidents.

While the law may appear bizarre, French authorities take it quite seriously. So, if you’re planning a trip to France soon, keep this strange legislation in mind.

4. Australia’s law on wedding disturbance

In Australia, disturbing a wedding ceremony is considered a criminal offence. The law is intended to safeguard the sacredness of marriage and guarantee that couples can exchange vows in peace. Disrupting a wedding ceremony can cause a $10,000 fine.

 While this may seem like a harsh punishment, it is essential to remember that weddings are supposed to be a joyous occasion and that disruptive behaviour should not ruin them. While the law may appear excessive, it shows Australia’s great regard for the institution of marriage. 

5. Selfie and Tattoo law in Sri Lanka

Many people may be unaware of some weird social lifestyle laws in Sri Lanka. For instance, it is against the law to take a selfie in front of a statue of Buddha. This is because it is considered as being disrespectful. Furthermore, getting a Buddha tattoo is against the law. 

This is because of the country’s lengthy Buddhist tradition, and tattoos are considered a kind of body mutilation. As a result, these regulations exist to safeguard Sri Lankans’ religious beliefs. Surprisingly, there are no regulations prohibiting people from taking pictures in front of other locations or from having tattoos of other religious figures.

Conclusion

From the bizarre to the simply odd, social lifestyle laws worldwide are undoubtedly entertaining. But more than that, they offer a unique glimpse into different countries’ cultural values and beliefs. As we’ve seen, there can be severe consequences for breaking these laws, so it’s essential to be aware of them before travelling.