Shocked by the Strange Bans Around the World

Valentine’s Day bans, restrictions on small breasts in “adult” films, and prohibitions on watching 2D versions of Avatar… are among the bizarre laws that exist in many countries around the world.

Iran: Ban on Western-style haircuts

In recent years, spiky hairstyles have become a trend among the youth in Iran. However, authorities view this very Western style as “un-Islamic” and have banned it. Any barbershop that offers this hairstyle will face strict penalties and have its operating license revoked.

Saudi Arabia: Ban on Valentine’s Day

In Saudi Arabia, conservative officials impose strict bans on Valentine’s Day. The sale of roses, red products, or love cards is prohibited even before February 14th. This ban has led to the emergence of a black market for Valentine’s-related products.

Denmark: Baby names must be on an approved list

In Denmark, selecting a name for a child is a serious and regulated task that must be approved by the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs and the Ministry of Family and Consumer Affairs. The Personal Names Act was drafted to protect innocent children in Denmark from being subjected to ridicule or mockery. Denmark does not favor uniqueness or difference.

Parents wanting to name their child have a short list of 24,000 names to choose from, and names not on this list must be approved by the government.

Australia: Ban on showing small breasts in “adult” films

Australia is the only country in the world with a ban on the use of small breasts in pornography. They believe that breast size causes minors to directly associate it with the possibility of engaging in sexual activity. This is the reason behind this ban.

China: Ban on showing 2D Avatar film

Despite being very successful at the box office, China’s censorship authority has banned the 2D version of the film Avatar. With very few 3D cinemas, a ban on 2D versions effectively prevents most citizens from watching the film, as the political undertones may be interpreted as a comparison between humanity’s invasion of Pandora and the Communist takeover of China in 1949.

Denmark: Ban on advertising dietary supplements

Denmark has decided to impose a ban on advertising all dietary supplements to protect the health of its citizens. This means that advertising breakfast cereals is illegal in this country.

No tattoos of Buddha or selfies with Buddha statues in Sri Lanka

Photo: Magazin.aktualne.

Using images of Buddha as tattoos is considered a serious crime in Sri Lanka. The country has expelled or banned the entry of several tourists for this reason.

Prohibition of swearing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Photo: Gizmodo.com.

Swearing or behaving inappropriately (including online swearing) is a criminal offense, and those who violate this law can be deported or face appropriate prison sentences in the UAE.

Thailand: Ban on e-cigarettes

Photo: Yahoo.

If you don’t want to face fines or even a 10-year prison sentence, you must not use e-cigarettes in the Land of Smiles. Furthermore, Thailand has begun enforcing a ban on smoking on beaches to ensure environmental cleanliness.

No exposing buttocks in Greece

Photo: NRC.

Exposing buttocks in public is considered indecent and is not tolerated. Anyone in Greece who violates this law can face fines or prison sentences.

Codeine is banned in Japan

Photo: Lijecnik.hr.

Codeine, an opioid derivative with pain-relieving properties, is widely used in medicine but can lead to addiction if misused. In Japan, the use of products containing codeine can result in detention or deportation, depending on the severity of the offense.

No damaging currency in Turkey

Photo: Fragparta.com.

The currency of Turkey is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. In this country, damaging money is equivalent to insulting the nation and its flag. Violators can face prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

Ukraine: Ban on drinking alcohol in public places

Photo: Medical News Today.

Not only is drinking alcohol prohibited, but the use of alcohol and stimulants is also banned in public places such as piers, parks, and recreational areas. The Ukrainian government believes this ban will minimize unnecessary accidents.

North Korea: Ban on wearing blue jeans or piercings

North Korea is famous for its unusual bans under the leadership of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. These prohibitions aim to promote the culture of the nation and prevent any Western influence from entering their country. In 2016, both blue jeans and piercings were added to the list of banned items.

The authorities mainly enforce this ban in North Hamgyong and Yanggang provinces, as these areas have better access to trends and developments from around the world compared to other regions.

Those caught wearing earrings or jeans may be subjected to “antisocial behavior” and could be sent to labor camps. Not only that, but this law also encourages some youths to act as “inspectors”, patrolling the streets in search of those who violate these dress codes.

Buying Chewing Gum in Singapore is Illegal Unless Prescribed by a Doctor

Singapore strictly prohibits the importation or sale of chewing gum. The government only allows the chewing of gum that has therapeutic value as per their regulations.

The rationale behind this ban is that chewing gum has caused significant maintenance issues in public housing. Maintenance workers have found gum stuck in keyholes, mailboxes, elevator buttons, and more. This has increased sanitation costs as it frequently damages sanitation equipment. Additionally, they have also found gum residue on public bus seats.

The initial ban prohibited all types of chewing gum, but later, they allowed the importation of gum that aids in dental treatment, although individuals can only chew it with a doctor’s prescription.

Greece Prohibits Video Gaming

Essentially, the law stipulates that playing any games on mobile phones, home computers, PlayStation, Xbox, Game Boy, or any type of gaming console in public or at home is illegal. This law has forced internet cafes to cease their gaming services, even online chess games had to stop operating.

The Greek government enacted this stringent law and strictly enforced it immediately. This peculiar law is one of the strangest of all time.

According to the Greek government, this law is a measure to prevent any form of illegal gambling. The law does not spare foreign tourists either. Moreover, offenders may face hefty fines or lengthy prison sentences.

Touching Whales is Prohibited (United Kingdom)

All whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals within three miles of the United Kingdom are considered the property of the Queen. Thus, touching them is an illegal act.

Kissing at Train Stations is Prohibited (France)

This law originated in 1910 in France amidst delays caused by couples who were reluctant to part. To put an end to this situation, authorities enacted a law banning kissing on train platforms while still allowing couples to express their affection in designated areas.

Feeding Pigeons is Prohibited (Italy)

In Venice, Italy, feeding pigeons is a legal offense and can result in fines. This law was enacted to prevent food and birds from soiling the beautiful statues and monuments.

Eating Biscuits on Christmas Day is Prohibited (United Kingdom)

In 1644, politician Oliver Cromwell banned the celebration of Christmas as he believed the holiday was immoral. Following this ban came a series of strange prohibitions, including the ban on eating sweet cakes or biscuits during Christmas. Legally speaking, there is currently no ordinance that has repealed Cromwell’s previous law, making eating biscuits on Christmas still a taboo, although no one actually cares about this law anymore.

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