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20 Weirdest Laws In Massachusetts

Massachusetts, like many other states in the United States, has a rich history and a unique set of laws. Some of these laws are well-known and widely followed. However, others are more obscure and weird. This include laws that restrict trade and other activities such as fishing specifically on Sunday. While these laws served very specific purposes on their enactment, today some of them are obsolete. They are interesting to study. Here, we’ll take a closer look at 20 of the weirdest laws in Massachusetts that may leave you wondering.

1. It is illegal to detonate a nuclear device in the city of Marlborough

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As of now, Marlborough is the only city in Massachusetts with such a law, making it illegal to set off a nuclear device within its city limits. Clearly, this law is a matter of safety and security concerns seeing as a detonation may cause a huge mess.

2. It is illegal to go to bed without first having a full bath in Boston

This law dates back to the 1800s. It was likely enacted as a way to promote personal hygiene. However, this law is not enforced today. Bostonians are free to hit the bed without a mandatory bath.

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3. It is illegal to fish for whales on Sundays in Springfield

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Whale fishing is not a common activity in Massachusetts. However, the law in Springfield forbids anyone from attempting to fish for whales on Sundays. This is part of the blue laws that forbade trading or engaging in some activities on Sunday with an aim of encouraging people to go to church.

4. It is illegal to frown at a police officer in Revere

According to the law, frowning at a police officer is prohibited. It is advisable that you either maintain a neutral facial expression or smile therefore. The reasons behind this law remains a mystery.

5. It is illegal to wear a goatee without a license in Fitchburg

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As a fan of goatee beards in Fitchburg, you might want to think twice before showing off your facial hair. According to the law, wearing a goatee without a license is against the law in this city. It is unknown why the law is very specific as to require a license for a facial hair style.

6. It is illegal to keep a mule on the second floor of a building in Lawrence

According to this law, it’s prohibited to keep a mule on the second floor. Why the law would specifically mention the second floor is mysterious. For the record it is unlikely that anyone would try to keep a mule on the second floor of a building.

Here are Strange but True: Exploring the 15 weirdest laws still on the books in Illinois.

7. It is illegal to dance to the national anthem in Nantucket

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Patriotism is shown by standing or placing a hand over your heart during the national anthem. Therefore, in Nantucket dancing to the national anthem is specifically outlawed. This law may have been put in place to ensure that the national anthem is treated with respect.

8. It is illegal to go to a wake or funeral wearing black unless you are a widow or a person of African descent in Lynn

Commonly, most people attending wakes or burials usually adorn themselves in black outfits. However, in Lynn it is against the law to wear black unless you are a widow or a person of African descent. It is unclear why this law specifies the color of clothing based on race or marital status. In fact this may seem to be discriminatory.

9. It is illegal to take a shower naked in the town of Wellfleet

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In normal circumstances, people shower while naked in order to clean their bodies. However, in Wellfleet, it’s against the law to take a shower without wearing some form of clothing. Maybe the law was enacted at a period when there were no showers or bathrooms.

10. It is illegal to use tomatoes in the production of clam chowder in Massachusetts

Clam chowder is a popular dish in Massachusetts. Massachusetts law specifically requires that tomatoes should not be used in their production.  According to a law from 1939, using tomatoes in clam chowder is prohibited. The exact reason for this law is unknown, but it’s a quirky regulation that’s still on the books.

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11. It is illegal to make clam chowder with milk instead of cream in Massachusetts

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In line with the previous law, using milk instead of cream in clam chowder is also against the law in Massachusetts. This law, dating back to the 1800s, specifies that only cream can be used in clam chowder. This law must have been tabled by a chef.

12. It is illegal to play the fiddle in Sudbury unless you have a license.

As an aspiring fiddler in Sudbury be sure to obtain a license before playing your instrument. According to a local bylaw, playing the fiddle in Sudbury is only allowed with a proper license. Fiddles are popular music instruments that sound melodious. Why such have to played only once one has a license is unclear.

13. It is illegal to scare a pigeon in Boston

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Pigeons love eating food in clusters. Most movies depict persons scaring off such pigeons. However, according to the law, scaring a pigeon is prohibited. This is part of very specific laws that seek to protect animals and birds from harassment and harm.

14. It is illegal to give beer to hospital patients

Patients require utmost care. As it is their bodies being at their weakest are bound to be highly reactive to some substances. In fact, some medicines given to patients have clear instructions that discourage the consumption of alcohol during that period. Giving beer to hospital patients is therefore against the law.

Check out these 15 craziest laws you will find in Utah.

15. It is illegal to go to a dogfight in Massachusetts

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Dogfighting is illegal across the United States. Massachusetts takes it a step further by making it illegal to even attend a dogfight as a spectator. This law speaks to the state’s stand against animal cruelty. Dogs that participate in dog fights end up with many bodily injuries.

16. It is illegal to use profanity in front of a dead body in Seekonk

Once again we find another law that regulates conduct in the presence of the dead. According to the law, using profanity in front of a dead body is against the law. This goes in line with the culture of respecting the departed ones.

17. It is illegal to wear a goatee in church that causes laughter in New Bedford

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There was a period in time when a lot of effort was put in to ensue religious sanctity. One of the things done to this extent is introducing laws that aimed at ensuring individuals had utmost piety while in church.  According to the law in Massachusetts, wearing a goatee that incites laughter in church is prohibited. However, it is unclear how this law is enforced.

18. It is illegal to go hunting in a cemetery in Massachusetts

Hunting is a popular outdoor activity in many parts of the United States. In Massachusetts the law specifies that hunting in a cemetery is not allowed. It is common in most cultures that the dead deserve due respect. In fact, in law there is a Latin phrase that translates to ‘Of the dead nothing but good is to be said.’

19. It is illegal to sell fireworks to someone over 60 without a permit in Massachusetts

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Fireworks are regulated in many states for safety purposes. However, Massachusetts adds an additional requirement for sellers. In Massachusetts selling fireworks to someone over 60 years old without a permit is against the law. Maybe the legislators foresaw a situation where old individuals are unable to handle fireworks.

20. It is illegal to play the violin while in a bathing suit in Massachusetts

According to a law from the early 1900s, playing the violin while wearing a bathing suit is prohibited. It is your guess as it is mine that violins are prestigious instruments that deserve to played by a fully dressed human being.