Connecticut is known for its rich history and charming New England towns, but did you know that the state also has some comically outdated laws still on the books? From restrictions on cross-dressing to restrictions on how you can park your car, these laws might make you laugh or shake your head in disbelief. In this article, we’ll take a look at five of Connecticut’s funniest outdated laws that are still in effect.
- Don’t Cross-Dress Without Permission
Connecticut law has an unusual restriction on cross-dressing. According to state law, it’s illegal to appear in public wearing clothing that is intended for the opposite sex without obtaining a permit from the local authorities. The law dates back to the 19th century when cross-dressing was seen as a sign of immorality and indecency. While the law is rarely enforced today, it is still technically on the books.
- No Cut-and-Paste Marriages Allowed
Connecticut has a law on the books that makes it illegal to marry someone by proxy or through the use of a cut-and-paste method. This means that you can’t marry someone who is absent by having a stand-in for the ceremony or by mailing in the required documents. The law was put in place to prevent fraudulent marriages, but it seems a bit outdated in today’s world of technology.
- No “Unnatural” Acts
Connecticut law has a rather vague and outdated law on the books that prohibits “unnatural” acts. While the exact definition of what constitutes an “unnatural” act is not defined in the law, it has been interpreted to include certain sexual acts between consenting adults. The law has been challenged in court and is rarely enforced, but it is still technically in effect.
- No Parking Against the Flow of Traffic
In Connecticut, it’s illegal to park your car facing against the flow of traffic on a one-way street. This law is intended to promote safety and prevent accidents, but it’s a bit outdated in today’s world of advanced traffic management systems. While it’s still enforced in some areas, it’s not uncommon to see cars parked facing the wrong direction.
- No Selling Milk from Diseased Cows
Connecticut has a law on the books that prohibits the sale of milk from diseased cows. While this may seem like a common-sense law, it’s a bit outdated in today’s world of strict regulations and inspections. The law was put in place to prevent the spread of disease through contaminated milk, but it’s unlikely that anyone would knowingly sell milk from a diseased cow in today’s world.
Connecticut has some outdated laws on the books that might make you laugh or shake your head. While some of these laws may have made sense at one time, they seem a bit silly in today’s world. From restrictions on cross-dressing to restrictions on how you can park your car, these laws serve as a reminder of how much things have changed over time. While it’s unlikely that anyone will ever be prosecuted for violating these laws, they are still technically in effect. So the next time you’re in Connecticut, be sure to keep these laws in mind and try not to break any of them.
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