No matter how forward-thinking you might think our great nation is, there’s always room to grow. And that includes with the law! We still have some laws that seem rather out-of-step with our values today—and general common sense. Here are ten of these unbelievably backward laws. How progressive are we really?
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Making It Hard for the Homeless
In some cities, you could get in trouble with the law if you’re caught sleeping in public. Homeless people don’t choose to be in this situation—yet the governments don’t give them a helping hand. Instead, these laws kick people when they’re down. They fail to address real issues like affordable housing & mental health support.
Laws Against Feeding the Homeless
Similarly, you need to have a permit to share food with homeless people in some places. It sounds counterintuitive but yes—helping out someone in need with a meal could actually get you in trouble. Rather than tackling the issue of homelessness, such a law prevents simple acts of kindness. What’s the focus on, really?
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Your Stuff Isn’t Really Yours
With civil asset forfeiture laws, the police can take any of your possessions because they think it was used in a crime—and you don’t even get a day in court to prove otherwise. It’s a system that sounds like something from a dystopian novel. However, it’s a normal part of our country despite the fact that we pride ourselves on justice & the rule of law.
No Collecting Rainwater on Your Property
In some states like Colorado, there are restrictions on collecting rainwater—yes, really! Initially, these laws were designed to manage water rights & distribution but they seem counterintuitive today. We’re much more aware of environmental concerns and trying to be sustainable, yet rainwater harvesting is still off-limits.
No Adultery in New York
Up until 2024, in New York, cheating on your spouse was classified as a misdemeanor and could technically get you in trouble. However, law enforcement rarely enforced this law. But even so, it’s strange to think that your love life could be under the eye of the law—personal matters shouldn’t be a public concern.
Prohibitions on Language
In some states like Alabama and North Dakota, governments have passed laws that have made English the official & only language. That doesn’t seem so great, given that knowing more than one language is so useful. Of course, it doesn’t forbid the use of other languages. But it’s still unfair to know speakers of other languages are being sidelined.
Outdated Labor Laws
While the job world has changed a lot, some of the rules haven’t caught up. For example, there isn’t enough protection for people in gig jobs & wages haven’t kept up with living costs. Families don’t even get enough time off. The laws are supposed to help workers out—yet they’re stuck in the past, leaving workers facing the world alone.
Bans on Rent Control
It’s no secret that rent prices are going through the roof. This is mostly due to certain state laws that have banned rent control, making it hard for people trying to find a place to live without breaking the bank. They have no chance of securing affordable housing. And if they do, the prices aren’t going to be manageable for long.
Blue Laws
Sunday used to be a day when you couldn’t do a whole lot of shopping or grab a drink because of blue laws. Even though a lot of these have been relaxed, some places still hang on to them. Everyone’s weekends look quite different these days—so why don’t the laws reflect this? It’s time for an update.
Restrictions on Selling Homemade Foods
If you have a talent for making killer jams or baking the best bread, that doesn’t mean you can sell your products. In some states, you can’t sell your homemade goodies without permits—so no baking for charity. It seems quite over the top for small-scale cooks and bakers who want to share their craft.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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