Before starting this note, I was looking at a news article online telling about the new laws that were coming into effect starting January 1. Strange and I have to agree: As of January 1, it is illegal for a person to take a selfie with a lion, tiger, or other big cat. Apparently, some young men on a dating site wanted their photos to reflect their manliness. Manliness? More like stark-raving-stupid. Well, that got me thinking about what other really stupid laws might be on the books. There’s some prize-winners for sure!
In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
In Alaska, it is permitted to shoot a bear, but you may not wake a sleeping bear to take a photo.
In Chico, Calif., detonating a nuclear device within city limits results in a $500 fine.
In Connecticut, a pickle is not officially a pickle unless it bounces. You can also be stopped by police by biking over 65 mph.
In Florida, having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal.
In New Jersey, it is still illegal to slurp soup. In Newark, ice cream cannot be sold after 6 p.m., unless the customer has a note from his/her doctor.
In New York, while riding an elevator, one must fold his hands, not talk, and look at the door.
Ohio: It is illegal to fish for whales on Sunday.
Tulsa, Okla.: It is against the law to open a soda bottle unless you’re supervised by a licensed engineer.
Tennessee: It is illegal for a woman to call for a date.
Now I know these reflections are normally centered around the Scripture readings for Sunday, which in our case is the Baptism of the Lord. But that is a very easy task this time:”Despite the dumb things we do, O Father, we’re happy that we are your beloved sons and daughters!”
