Nobody is supposed to ignore the law. On Thursday, we mentioned the municipal decree of the mayor of Raillencourt-Saint-Olle, in the North, prohibiting snow from falling on the territory of his municipality. Impossible, improbable, incredible? Imagine that this completely WTF text is far, very far from being the most eccentric. In France, there has even been, since 2022, a municipal bylaw competition the most unusual! If it has almost become a national sport here, issuing mind-blowing regulatory texts is also very common elsewhere in the world. Be careful, you are not ready.
Ban on throwing dwarves (France)
This initiative comes from Geneviève Rodriguez, who was mayor (PCF) of Morsang-sur-Orge, in Essonne, in 1991. At the time, the nightclub located in her commune, the Embassy Club, regularly organized music shows. throwing dwarves, an entertainment which was not to the taste of the chosen one, even if the main interested party was consenting. In order to put an end to this activity, the mayor therefore issued a municipal decree on October 25, 1991 prohibiting the show which was to take place that same evening. The main motivation for the decree was that the throwing of dwarves “harmed the human person”. A similar decree was then taken by the municipality of Aix-en-Provence for the same reasons.
For the record, the production company which sold the show filed an appeal against the order of the mayor of Morsang-sur-Orge, supported by the testimony of the dwarf, who assured precisely that this activity had allowed him to regain his dignity. The matter had gone very far, up to the Council of State, which ultimately ruled in favor of the elected official: “The Council of State ruled that respect for the dignity of the human person is a component of public order. Consequently, the authority vested with municipal police power may prohibit an attraction which infringes upon it.”
Obligation to be polite (France)
This is a rule that is not obvious to everyone. So much so that in 2012, Gérard Plée, the mayor of the town of Lhéraule, in Oise, wanted to clarify things through a municipal decree. Thus, he drafted a text requiring all people attending the town hall to comply with “courtesy requirements” as highlighted by Estelle Desmartin, a law student, in his thesis on unusual orders.
Thus, in addition to the ban on using insults, swear words, swear words and other pleasantries, the decree specified that it was obligatory to say “hello”, “goodbye” and “please” between walls of the town hall. In the event of non-compliance with “social standards in the premises of the municipal administration”, the offender “must leave the premises” and can only return by complying with the order.
Doing stupid things openly (United States)
It must be recognized that identifying a criminal is much less easy for the authorities when he wears a mask. Never mind, the state of Delaware, on the east coast of the United States, has found the solution by simply prohibiting wearing a “hood, mask, or other disguise while committing a crime.”
So since we can’t just count on the goodwill of thugs, the law provides that it is a crime to wear a mask when committing a crime. Therefore, if caught, the criminal will be guilty of violating this law, even if his initial theft is less serious. Basically, if you steal an egg, you might as well do it with your face exposed.
Open your toilets to anyone (Scotland)
In France, if you may have to spend up to one euro to use public toilets, in Scotland, a law allows you to do it for free and in anyone’s home. Indeed, according to the site Scottish Field“if a stranger knocks on your door and asks to use your toilet, you are legally obligated to allow them to do so.”
According to this source, this article comes from “the ancient Scottish common law requiring that hospitality be granted to all guests”, specifying however that “this law was never formally authorized by Parliament”. For the newspaper “ Scotsman “, it would rather be a “myth developed around local customs”. However, everyone agrees that in case of pressing need and as long as you are courteous, the Scots will not slam their door in your face.
Impossible to stop walking (Italy)
Walk or pay, that could be the motto of the village of Portofino, Italy. This magnificent little fishing port, located south of Genoa, attracts tourists like flies to a pot of honey. If this boosts local commerce, it also poses some problems in the most popular spots. So, to avoid traffic jams of vacationers in sandal shorts, last April, the municipality demarcated two red zones in which it is prohibited to stop according to our colleagues atHe Post.
And taking a break in one of these areas to take a selfie facing the sea could cost you dearly, with a fine of up to 275 euros. On the other hand, if you are an early riser or a night owl, be aware that the ban only applies between 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.