NationStates Jolt Archive


Blasphemy laws still exist in the US!?

New Manvir
07-06-2007, 02:46
In Massachusetts? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy#The_United_States_of_America)

So...I found this kinda interesting and it really surprised me....according to Massachusetts law

Whoever willfully blasphemes the holy name of God by denying, cursing or contumeliously reproaching God, His creation, government or final judging of the world, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching or exposing to contempt and ridicule, the holy word of God contained in the holy scriptures shall be punished by imprisonment in jail for not more than one year or by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars, and may also be bound to good behavior.

wow....

I thought Massachusetts was supposedly the hotbed of US liberalism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_liberal) etc?

anyone know of any other outdated or stupid laws....
Zarakon
07-06-2007, 02:48
I think that's probably some leftover they don't enforce and, since they don't enforce it, don't feel there's any point in spending time striking it from law.
CoallitionOfTheWilling
07-06-2007, 02:49
Yup, pretty stupid that we still have those laws. Of course they arnt enforced at all, but are still on the books because politicians are to busy trying to get votes.

Its like the law in Wisconsin that makes it so that for a pickle to be a pickle, the pickle must bounce. Not enforced but sure is stupid. :D
NERVUN
07-06-2007, 02:49
Given that the last person jailed under said law was back in 1838...

They probably just haven't gotten around to taking it off the books.

BTW, while the Commonwealth is currently pretty liberal, its founding was anything but.
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 02:51
At any rate, I am sure there are religious liberals out there.

Somewhere.
Zarakon
07-06-2007, 02:51
At any rate, I am sure there are religious liberals out there.

Somewhere.

The thing is, with liberals their views are more important then their religion, whereas to get a large amount of Republicans to vote for you, you have to wear your religion on your sleeve.
Kirav
07-06-2007, 02:56
There's tons of legal residue in America. In southern New Jersey, until a few years ago, it was illegal to slurp soup in public. Some county out west still requires that all hotels have a hitching post.
New Manvir
07-06-2007, 02:58
There's tons of legal residue in America. In southern New Jersey, until a few years ago, it was illegal to slurp soup in public. Some county out west still requires that all hotels have a hitching post.

lolz.......what was the point of that law? :p
Royal Flames
07-06-2007, 02:58
We've got a whole cartload of those kinds of laws up here in the commonwealth. they're called "blue laws," for reasons I'm too lazy to look up. I believe it's also illegal to sing on Sunday except in church.

On the subject of other crazy laws, You may not tie an alligator to a fire hydrant. (http://www.amazon.com/You-May-Alligator-Fire-Hydrant/dp/0743230655/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/105-2907636-0771611)
New Genoa
07-06-2007, 02:59
Oh blue laws where would we be without you!
Zarakon
07-06-2007, 03:00
lolz.......what was the point of that law? :p

Reduce annoyance?
Kinda Sensible people
07-06-2007, 03:01
At any rate, I am sure there are religious liberals out there.

Somewhere.

Almost everywhere. Some of the most committed liberals I've known have been committed Christians. More often than not, they are liberal for religious reasons.
Zarakon
07-06-2007, 03:02
Almost everywhere. Some of the most committed liberals I've known have been committed Christians. More often than not, they are liberal for religious reasons.

Wait...People actually paying attention to what Jesus said? I don't believe you.
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 03:02
lolz.......what was the point of that law? :p

I thought it was obvious.

To prevent people from slurping soup in public.

Man, I thought I was a bit dense.
:p


Here are some more crazy laws. I don't know if half are for real because they seem so out there.. even for the U.S.
http://www.kids-teens.org/dumb_laws.htm
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
07-06-2007, 03:06
I thought it was obvious.

To prevent people from slurping soup in public.

Man, I thought I was a bit dense.
:p


It is an annoyance, there's no question. :p

I like the picture of an old man sitting on a dead horse. I think that had something to do with laws against leaving the scene of a (horse) accident. :p
Kinda Sensible people
07-06-2007, 03:11
Wait...People actually paying attention to what Jesus said? I don't believe you.

Sure. They're called Episcopals. Look the up some time. :p
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 03:14
Iowa

Kisses may last for no more than five minutes.
One-armed piano players must perform for free.
A man with a mustache may never kiss a woman in public.


0_o
If those were once laws...or still are...

Honestly, what if you are a one-armed piano player with a mustache, out with your significant other for a walk in town?
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
07-06-2007, 03:16
Iowa

Kisses may last for no more than five minutes.
One-armed piano players must perform for free.
A man with a mustache may never kiss a woman in public.


0_o
If those were once laws...or still are...

Honestly, what if you are a one-armed piano player with a mustache, out with your significant other for a walk in town?

...then you'd probably better move to Omaha, or something! :p
New Manvir
07-06-2007, 03:16
I thought it was obvious.

To prevent people from slurping soup in public.

Man, I thought I was a bit dense.
:p


Here are some more crazy laws. I don't know if half are for real because they seem so out there.. even for the U.S.
http://www.kids-teens.org/dumb_laws.htm

lolz....

It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle...duh...

Putting salt on a railroad track may be punishable by death. :eek:

It is illegal to wear a fake moustache that causes laughter in church. lolz

Boogers may not be flicked into the wind. LOLZ!

Children of incestuous couples are deemed legitimate :eek:

It is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street if you have a lantern attached to the front of your automobile LOLZ!!

Men may not spit in front of the opposite sex.
...And thats only Alabama...
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
07-06-2007, 03:21
Putting salt on a railroad track may be punishable by death. :eek:


Sand, I could understand. But salt, that's strange.
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 03:22
...then you'd probably better move to Omaha, or something! :p

Luckily I'm not in Iowa. w00t.

lolz....

It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle...duh...

Putting salt on a railroad track may be punishable by death.

It is illegal to wear a fake moustache that causes laughter in church. lolz

Boogers may not be flicked into the wind. LOLZ!

Children of incestuous couples are deemed legitimate

It is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street if you have a lantern attached to the front of your automobile LOLZ!!

Men may not spit in front of the opposite sex.
...And thats only Alabama...
:p

New Jersey

You cannot pump your own gas. All gas stations are full service and full service only.
On a highway you can not park under a bridge.
It is against the law to "frown" at a police officer.
If you have been convicted of driving while intoxicated, you may never again apply for personalized license plates.
It is illegal to offer whiskey or cigarettes to animals at the local zoo.
Raw hamburger may not be sold

How the hell am I supposed to grill hamburgers?
All this time it was illegal...
New Ausha
07-06-2007, 03:25
In Massachusetts? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blasphemy#The_United_States_of_America)

So...I found this kinda interesting and it really surprised me....according to Massachusetts law



wow....

I thought Massachusetts was supposedly the hotbed of US liberalism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_liberal) etc?

anyone know of any other outdated or stupid laws....


It certainly wasn't the "hotbed of US liberalism" 200 years ago, when the law would have had some sense too it.
New Genoa
07-06-2007, 03:25
Furthermore, what the hell were the lawmakers smoking when they proposed these bills?
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
07-06-2007, 03:29
How the hell am I supposed to grill hamburgers?
All this time it was illegal...

Remember, hamburger was thought of as an "unclean" meat for a long time, until White Castle came to the rescue. :p
Smunkeeville
07-06-2007, 03:38
Oklahoma

It is illegal for the owner of a bar to allow anyone inside to pretend to have sex with a buffalo.

Dogs must have a permit signed by the mayor in order to congregate in groups of three or more on private property.

Oral sex is a misdemeanor and is punishable by one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.:(

Anyone arrested for soliciting a hooker must have their name and picture shown on television. (I actually do watch that show and look for people I know...)

It is illegal to have the hind legs of farm animals in your boots.

§21-901. Blasphemy consists in wantonly uttering or publishing words, casting contumelious reproach or profane ridicule upon God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Scriptures or the Christian or any other religion. §21-902. If it appears beyond reasonable doubt that the words complained of were used in the course of serious discussion, and with intent to make known or recommend opinions entertained by the accused, such words are not blasphemy. §21-903. Blasphemy is a misdemeanor.

§21-904. Profane swearing consists in any use of the name of God, or Jesus Christ, or the Holy Ghost, either in imprecating divine vengeance upon the utterer, or any other person, or in light, trifling or irreverent speech. §21-905. Every person guilty of profane swearing is punishable by a fine of One Dollar ($1.00) for each offense.
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 03:43
Remember, hamburger was thought of as an "unclean" meat for a long time, until White Castle came to the rescue. :p

:cool:

It is illegal to have the hind legs of farm animals in your boots.
Damnit...

Thats why the cop was looking at me funny...

But I didn't know my legs were that hideous.:(
Markeliopia
07-06-2007, 03:48
Ohio=No one may be arrested on Sunday or on the Fourth of July

I'm going to do naughty things in Ohio on those days :p
Smunkeeville
07-06-2007, 03:48
:cool:


Damnit...

Thats why the cop was looking at me funny...

But I didn't know my legs were that hideous.:(

apparently thought domesticated animals are acceptable.

remember, when putting boots on an animal

domestic= :)
front legs of a farm animal=:)
hind legs of a farm animal= going straight to jail.
Troglobites
07-06-2007, 03:54
Wait...People actually paying attention to what Jesus said? I don't believe you.

I listen to jesus once...

Jesus: Hey, Don't eat that burrito. the meat has gone bad

Me: Well, I'm Hungry, Jesus. What am I supposed to eat?

Jesus: I dunno the casidas are pretty good...

Me: do I get it for free, I mean because the burrito was bad and all...

Jesus: Sure.
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 03:56
I listen to jesus once...

Jesus: Hey, Don't eat that burrito. the meat has gone bad

Me: Well, I'm Hungry, Jesus. What am I supposed to eat?

Jesus: I dunno the casidas are pretty good...

Me: do I get it for free, I mean because the burrito was bad and all...

Jesus: Sure.

And it was after that incident that Taco Bell was discovered with E coli.
Maineiacs
07-06-2007, 04:00
Oklahoma

It is illegal for the owner of a bar to allow anyone inside to pretend to have sex with a buffalo.

Does that mean it's OK for someone to really have sex in a bar with a buffalo?
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 04:04
Does that mean it's OK for someone to really have sex in a bar with a buffalo?

They are cheap.
It is Oklahoma.
Bison can later be made into burgers.
Troglobites
07-06-2007, 04:08
They are cheap.
It is Oklahoma.
Bison can later be made into burgers.

Who'd want to eat it afterwards?
Smunkeeville
07-06-2007, 04:09
Does that mean it's OK for someone to really have sex in a bar with a buffalo?

I assume it's probably illegal to have sex with bison
Troglobites
07-06-2007, 04:11
buffalo are extinct, I assume it's probably illegal to have sex with bison though.

I've been seeing an extinct animal garzing for years?

Ah, ah What a wormhole you say? the internet? What the hell is that?
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 04:12
Who'd want to eat it afterwards?

I don't know about you, but I leave things better than they were when I came.
Smunkeeville
07-06-2007, 04:12
I've been seeing an extinct animal garzing for years?

Ah, ah What a worm hole you say? the internet? What the hell is that.

sorry, I was mistaken. a certain "breed" of buffalo that used to be here is extinct, not all of them.
The Glorifiers
07-06-2007, 04:12
Raw hamburger may not be sold

How the hell am I supposed to grill hamburgers?
All this time it was illegal...

I believe if it is not in patty form, but still ground chuck or some such, it would be legal.
Yeah, I think like this :)

Oh, and one of my favorites from the dumb laws page: (Ohio) It is illegal to get a fish drunk.
New Manvir
07-06-2007, 04:18
LOLZ

Persons classified as "ugly" may not walk down any street.


In order for a pickle to officially be considered a pickle, it must bounce. And You may not educate dogs.

You may not fart in a public place after 6 P.M. on Thursdays
Troglobites
07-06-2007, 04:18
sorry, I was mistaken. a certain "breed" of buffalo that used to be here is extinct, not all of them.

Yeah, They're all in a sorry state on some level. It's either because buffalo are extremley hard to tame or it was the mentality that if it came from europe it's better because it's familiar. Not unlike the people originally there:(

I don't know about you, but I leave things better than they were when I came.

I hope you wash your hands before sharing your popcorn.
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 04:20
I hope you wash your hands before sharing your popcorn.

If its already been salted and buttered, yes.
Otherwise, no.
Ralina
07-06-2007, 04:36
"Any person over the age of 12 may have a license for a handgun as long as he/she has not been convicted of a felony."

You have to be 12? Thats so stupid, in Illinois babies can get a license. Its every 6 month old's right to have a gun.
Milchama
07-06-2007, 04:37
An even better website for bad laws:

http://www.dumblaws.com/

My personal favorites:

Chico, California:

Detonating a nuclear device within the city limits results in a $500 fine.

(Terrorists bomb here!)

Alabama:

Incestuous marriages are legal.

And there are many others!
Widfarend
07-06-2007, 04:42
NJ
"It is illegal to delay or detain a homing pigeon."

What madness is this?

How do I keep the thing still enough to take the message off its leg?
Troglobites
07-06-2007, 04:44
An even better website for bad laws:

http://www.dumblaws.com/

My personal favorites:

Chico, California:

Detonating a nuclear device within the city limits results in a $500 fine.

(Terrorists bomb here!)

Alabama:

Incestuous marriages are legal.

And there are many others!

That's a Bad Law?
The Brevious
07-06-2007, 05:55
I think that's probably some leftover they don't enforce and, since they don't enforce it, don't feel there's any point in spending time striking it from law.
Sounds like some flash crowds need to rile a few things up right now. It'd put a good perspective on a grasping and desperate Republican influence.
...if any such groups were such inclined, that is.
Prumpa
08-06-2007, 02:25
They're laws mostly found in New England, dating back from the Puritan days. I doubt anyone enforces them, but it'd be interesting if some lawyer did for some reason.
Infinite Revolution
08-06-2007, 02:30
'contumeliously' is my new favourite word.
Sarkhaan
08-06-2007, 02:46
I don't know about you, but I leave things better than they were when I came....mmm...taste the double entendre

CT has lots of fun ones from the blue laws

Town records cannot be kept where liquor is sold

Walking backwards after sundown is illegal in Devon

Crossing the street on your hands or kissing your wife on a sunday is illegal in Hartford


It is illegal for any beautician to hum, whistle, or sing while working on a customer in Waterbury
[NS]Schwullunde
09-06-2007, 02:39
some of my personal favorites

in a certain town in west virginia : One may not walk a lion, tiger or leopard, even on a leash.
this one of course was made only after someone did just that;)

Wv.
Whistling underwater is prohibited.
hmmmmm of course singing is completely legal

Roadkill may be taken home for supper.
ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

No children may attend school with their breath smelling of "wild onions.
explains lots

Tx.
When two trains meet each other at a railroad crossing, each shall come to a full stop, and neither shall proceed until the other has gone.
what the????????

The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home.
now don't this just explain everything

Ms.
Private citizens may personally arrest any person that disturbs a church service.
well exactilly what is the defination of "disturb"???

Ga.
Donkeys may not be kept in bathtubs.
well what if he got in on his own???

No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday.
why???

Seatle Wa.
You may not carry a concealed weapon that is over six feet in length.
oh sorry officer i didn't know it was illegal to carry a spear under my coat
Ilie
09-06-2007, 02:41
Here in Maryland, the no oral sex law is freely bandied about and laughed at. Specifically, the law states that oral sex can not be given or received anywhere. Anywhere. Ever.


Or else.
Dakini
09-06-2007, 02:55
lolz.......what was the point of that law? :p
To discriminate against the Japanese?
The Plutonian Empire
09-06-2007, 03:13
Alabama:

Incestuous marriages are legal.

:D :D :D :D :D

:fluffle::fluffle::fluffle::fluffle::fluffle:
The Plutonian Empire
09-06-2007, 03:33
laws from minnesota:

The land of 10,000 lakes declares mosquitos a public nuisance.

It is illegal to stand around any building without a good reason to be there.

A person may not cross state lines with a duck atop his head.

It is illegal to sleep naked. :eek:

All men driving motorcycles must wear shirts.

Citizens may not enter Wisconsin with a chicken on their head.

Oral sex is prohibited. :eek:

All bathtubs must have feet.
CoallitionOfTheWilling
09-06-2007, 06:32
They're laws mostly found in New England, dating back from the Puritan days. I doubt anyone enforces them, but it'd be interesting if some lawyer did for some reason.

Lawyers don't enforce anything.

A cop would have to arrest someone for it, and then the DA would have to charge that person.
CoallitionOfTheWilling
09-06-2007, 06:34
Here in Maryland, the no oral sex law is freely bandied about and laughed at. Specifically, the law states that oral sex can not be given or received anywhere. Anywhere. Ever.


Or else.


You sure its still around...?

Anti-Sodomy laws were struck down in Texas v United States.