Weird Laws: True or False Edition

In line with our weekly blogs of weird laws across the nation, let’s continue our true or false edition of weird laws.  Last week we saw some weird laws from Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.  Let’s see some weird laws from these next 5 states!

True or False:

Kansas

“It is illegal to picket a funeral.”

TRUE.  In Overland Park, Kansas, it is illegal to picket a funeral.  According to the city ordinance, “It is unlawful for any person to engage in picketing 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after any funeral.”

This law was enacted in 1993 to protect the emotions of mournful families from unwanted picketers.  It was specifically enacted because of a man named Fred Phelps.  Apparently, he would attend the funerals of homosexual individuals in Overland Park and protest what a disgrace homosexuality is.  He must’ve had nothing better to do.

Kentucky

“Throwing eggs at a public speaker could result in up to one year in prison.”

FALSE.  Although this law was true until 1975, it is no longer in effect and has since been repealed.  According to the law, “any person who interferes with any person addressing a public audience within Kentucky, or who attempts to interrupt or injure the speaker by throwing missiles at him could be fined between $50 and $100 or could be sentenced to a year in prison.”  Perhaps this was enacted to deter rowdy behavior during political speeches.  I can’t help but wonder if we could throw eggs at private speakers in Kentucky.

Louisiana

“It is a $500 fine to instruct a pizza delivery man to deliver a pizza to your friend without them knowing.”

TRUE.  Perhaps the folk in Louisiana are practical jokesters, and the legislators needed to put an end to these pizza pranks.

Maine

“It is illegal to park in front of Dunkin Donuts.”

TRUE.  In South Berwick, Maine, it is illegal to park in front of Dunkin Donuts.  As weird as this law may sound, there is a logical rational behind it.  Maine does not ban parking in front of Dunkin Donuts stores altogether.  Rather, this law only applies to the one Dunkin Donuts location on West Maine St and was enacted mainly for traffic safety reasons.  So if you’re in a rush to get some Dunkin Donuts in the state of Maine, feel free to park your car on the street… well of course unless your on West Maine St.

Maryland

“Persons may not swear while on the highway.”

TRUE.  According to the laws of Rockville, Maryland, it is a misdemeanor for a person to “swear or use obscene language near any street, sidewalk or highway within the hearing of persons passing by.”  However, I doubt this law is heavily enforced.  If it were, most people driving during rush hour traffic would be charged with a misdemeanor.