The world of bans: 10 weird prohibitions
We admit India is a land of bans. But do you know France has banned ketchup while it’s illegal to chew gums in Singapore?!
Consumption of beef is banned in most states while there is a complete prohibition on the consumption of alcohol in Gujarat and Bihar.
Two years back, India became the first country in the world to ban the import of foie gras (a luxury food made from the liver of a duck or goose).
Kissing in public, homosexuality and watching porn – and even Fifty Shades of Grey – are banned in the country.
In Mumbai, there is a ban on mannequins displaying lingerie, while in Karnataka it is prohibited to invite foreigners to your parties.
We admit India is a land of bans. But do you know France has banned ketchup while it’s illegal to chew gums in Singapore?!
Here are 10 crazy bans that have been imposed in countries other than India:
1. No ‘samosas’ in Somalia
Somalia-based extremist group Al-Shabaab imposed a ban on this popular snack as they found it ‘too Christian’ and thus ‘offensive’.
According to National Geographic Traveller India, the terrorists found the three sides of ‘sambusas’ (local name for ‘samosas’) resembled the symbol of the Christian Holy Trinity and hence the ban.
2. You can’t choose your baby’s name in Denmark
Yes, you read it right. The Denmark government has a list of 7,000 pre-approved baby names. And you have to make your pick from them.
In case you want a name outside the lists, you have to take special permission from the local Danish church and the government.
However, it is most likely that your chosen name will be rejected if it fails to meet up the protocols. According to reports, approximately 1,000 names are rejected every year by the church and Danish government. So, hard luck!
3. Don’t jog when in Burundi
Jogging is a crime in Burundi. In March 2014, Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza banned group joggings terming them as a cover-up for planning subversive activities.
According to BBC, many citizens were jailed for participating in group jogging sessions.
4. Man, cut your ponytail in Iran
In 2010, the Iranian government issued a list of appropriate male hairstyles where ponytails, spikes and mullets are prohibited.
5. Always smile when in Milan
In Milan, you can’t frown because it’s banned. You will be fined if you violate the Italian government’s ban on frowning, says List 25. It’s mandatory to always smile when you are in one of the most fashionable cities in the world … unless you are attending a funeral or in a hospital.
6. You can not play video games in Greece
In Greece, it is forbidden to play video games. Initially, the ban was imposed on all computer games, whether played at Internet cafés or at individual homes, to keep a check on electronic gambling.
A National Geographic Traveller India article says that the government revised the law in 2003 but the ban on video games at Internet cafés are still very much in place.
7. No yellow dress in Malaysia
In 2011, Malaysia banned wearing yellow as an activist group dressed in the same colour popped up to protest the country’s electoral laws.
8. Not an electrician? Can’t change bulb in Victoria
Australian city Victoria has a ban on changing bulbs unless by a licensed electrician, says an article by MSN.com.
9. Don’t die in Parliament of the United Kingdom
You are not allowed to die inside the UK Parliament because if you do, you will have to be given a state funeral.
10. You can be jailed for making faces at dogs in Oklahoma
Making ugly faces at the dogs is prohibited in mid-western U.S. state Oklahoma. According to Dog Magazine, any violation to the ban may lead to a fine and/ or jail term.
All pic: Pixabay
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