Wiekes weetjes: the 10 strangest laws in the world

I never saw myself ending up as a writer, but as a lawyer. That was entirely due to Ally McBeal, who inspired me immensely to become a successful lawyer. I didn't want to just be any lawyer, no, I wanted to be the very best. I have little regret about skipping that law study, except when I started watching Suits and realized that I might have ended up as a type like Harvey Specter. That did make me a bit sad.

The only thing that has remained from this former career plan is that I have always been interested in how laws work. Especially the legal system in the United States continues to amaze me. It even went so far that when I was in New York, I visited the Night Court, where people have to appear via summary proceedings.

I am quite the goody two-shoes; the worst thing I have done is steal candy from Jamin (but who hasn't)? Although, I could have easily broken the laws below. I had no idea about that at all. How on earth did these laws come about?

1. Winnie The Pooh is not welcome in Polish playgrounds

In 2014, an image of Winnie The Pooh was banned from a playground because his clothing was deemed ‘inappropriate’ (they called it an ‘inappropriate dress’ to be precise). He was also referred to as a ‘hermaphrodite’ (‘it has no gender. It is a hermaphrodite’). Furthermore, it was decided that Winnie The Pooh ‘is half-naked and therefore inappropriate for children.’ Hmm.
Ed.: in a previous version, it stated that clothing with the image of Winnie The Pooh would be banned throughout Poland, which is not true.

2. In Scotland, you cannot ride a cow while drunk

This law dates back to 1872 and I have so many questions: is it allowed to do this sober then? Apparently, that is the case, but with the introduction of this law, you cannot ride a horse, carriage, vehicle, or cow. So, take it easy with the drinks.

3. A selfie with Buddha can land you a trip to jail in Sri Lanka

Seriously, this could totally happen to me. You have to know it, right? In Sri Lanka, taking a selfie with a Buddha is seen as a sign of disrespect because you turn your back to him. Handy to know: pointing at him is also not appreciated, but it is not punishable.

4. It is forbidden to build sandcastles in Spain

And yes, that applies to children too. No one is allowed to build sandcastles in Spain. Where does this hatred for sandcastles come from? It's not the case throughout Spain, by the way; in Costa Blanca, it is allowed as long as you only use sand from the spot where you are sitting (vague rule). In Tenerife, it is completely banned. Fun fact: dogs are also not allowed on any Spanish beach.

5. Chewing gum is banned in Singapore

I actually understand this. It's a bit of a strange idea to ban a type of candy that is really very normal here in an entire country, but Singapore is incredibly clean partly because of this law. Just imagine: no chewing gum on the sidewalk and no disgusting chewing gum under your restaurant table or bar stool. In fact, should we just implement this in the Netherlands too?

6. A dirty car can land you a hefty fine in Dubai 

Everything in Dubai has to be bigger, better, and shinier. The same goes for cars. And the eye wants something too, that is clearly noticeable there. A dirty car is really an eyesore, and you can get fined for that. Dirty cars would ‘not do the city's image any good and are bad for health.’ By the way, you can also get fined if you haven't cleaned your car properly; the only proper way is at a car wash. They take those cars seriously there.

7. Canadian radio stations must play Canadian music

If you thought Americans were proud of their country, let me introduce you to Canada. There, it is legally mandated that at least 35 percent of all songs played by a radio station must be by Canadian artists. That's quite doable; I mention Céline Dion, Justin Bieber, and Alanis Morissette.

8. It is illegal to wear high heels on the Acropolis in Athens

High heels wouldn't be my first choice when climbing this hill to view the Parthenon on top, but apparently, it shouldn't even be allowed. The reason: the heels could damage the ruins.

9. Loose swim trunks are banned in France 

Wait, what? What is this ugly law, why does France want all men in Speedos? The reason is rather convoluted: if men wear a Speedo in the water, it would be cleaner than a pair of swim trunks they might have already been wearing all day as regular pants. So, it's a hygiene issue. Because... the seawater is so clean? I don't get it.

10. Do not wear camouflage clothing in the Caribbean

If you have plans to visit Barbados, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbuda, or Jamaica, leave your camouflage outfit at home. It can only be worn there by military personnel.