Massachusetts is filled with many interesting and unusual laws. This should come as no surprise because, after all, Christmas was once banned here (and some say the law still has not been cleared up). And, there are still old blue laws that forbid alcohol to be sold before 12:00 in most parts of the state on Sunday.
Check out these laws that are still on the books:
1. It is illegal to go to bed without taking a bath.
2. Gorillas cannot ride in the backseat of a car.
3. In Boston, it is illegal to cut wood from a public place.
4. Public boxing matches are against the law and punishable by fine.
5. Unless directed by a physician, it is illegal to give alcohol to patients in a hospital.
6. Candies with syrup cannot contain more than 1 percent alcohol in that syrup.
7. Roosters cannot go into bakeries.
8. It is illegal to swear in some towns and cities.
This is just a sample of a few unusual ones. Check out these sites for more. Of course, Massachusetts has existed as a colony in one form or another since the 1630s (and earlier if you count Plymouth). There are bound to be countless old laws that are forgotten.
Dumb Laws.com
Strange Laws
Stupid Laws
WCVB TV link
MASS MYSTERIES WEBSITE: This website is dedicated to the history and mysteries of Massachusetts. Established in 2012, it seeks to provide entertaining and informative stories about Massachusetts.
