Currently, 30 states have amendments in their constitutions that unequivocally ban same-sex marriage. While we have faith that these states may adopt an attitude that truly allows freedom for all, presently, many of them include this strangely specific law in their legal guiding document.
But strange laws in the United States are nothing new. We've documented the most ridiculous state and municipal laws before, but this time we'd like to take a look at some laws on the books in states where gay marriage is currently banned. (We only chose a handful -- this list only represents about half the states where gay marriage is not legal). These laws range from the ridiculous and absurd to the disturbing and federally illegal. See what's really on the books in some states and vote for the most ridiculous!
Legal where gay marriage isn't
Alaska: No Airborne Moose(01 of12)
In the Alaska Constitution:"To be valid or recognized in this State, a marriage may exist only between one man and one woman."Also on the books:It is unlawful to view moose from an airplane. (via Dumb Laws)
Arkansas: No Honking Outside Sandwich Shops(02 of12)
In the Arkansas Constitution:"Marriage. Marriage consists only of the union of one man and one woman.Marital status. Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas, except that the legislature may recognize a common law marriage from another state between a man and a woman."Also on the books:"Sec. 18-54. Sounding of horns at sandwich shops. No person shall sound the horn on a vehicle at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9:00 p.m. (Code 1961, 25-74)"
Florida: No Spinster Parachuters(03 of12)
In the Florida Constitution:"Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."Also on the books:Unmarried women who parachute on Sundays may be jailed. (via bored.com)
Kansas: No Wine In Teacups(04 of12)
In the Kansas Constitution:"The marriage contract is to be considered in law as a civil contract. Marriage shall be constituted by one man and one woman only. All other marriages are declared to be contrary to the public policy of this state and are void. (b) No relationship, other than a marriage, shall be recognized by the state as entitling the parties to the rights or incidents of marriage."Also on the books:In Topeka, servers are forbidden to serve wine in teacups. (via TJ's Home)
Nebraska: Beer Must Be Accompanied By Soup(05 of12)
In the Nebraska Constitution:"Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in Nebraska. The uniting of two persons of the same sex in a civil union, domestic partnership, or other similar same-sex relationship shall not be valid or recognized in Nebraska."Also on the books:It is not legal for a tavern owner to serve beer unless a nice kettle of soup is also brewing. (via GamePro)
California: No Kissing(06 of12)
In the California Constitution:"Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."Also on the books:In Riverside, kissing on the lips, unless both parties wipe their lips with carbonized rose water, is against the local health ordinance. (via LA Cityzine)
Oklahoma: No Bear Wrestling(07 of12)
In the Oklahoma Constitution:"Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. Neither this Constitution nor any other provision of law shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups. ..."Also on the books:A. It is unlawful for any person to:1. Promote, engage in, or be employed at a bear wrestling exhibition or horse tripping event;2. Receive money for the admission of another person to any place where bear wrestling or horse tripping will occur ...
South Carolina: No Pinball, Kids(08 of12)
In the South Carolina Constitution:"A marriage between one man and one woman is the only lawful domestic union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This State and its political subdivisions shall not create a legal status, right, or claim respecting any other domestic union, however denominated. ..."Also on the books:"SECTION 20-7-8915. Playing pinball machines.It is unlawful for a minor under the age of eighteen to play a pinball machine."
Virginia: No Hunting Varmin With One Exception(09 of12)
In the Virginia Constitution:"Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage."Also on the books:29.1-521. Unlawful to hunt, trap, possess, sell or transport wild birds and wild animals except as permitted; exception; penalty.A. The following shall be unlawful:1. To hunt or kill any wild bird or wild animal, including any nuisance species, with a gun, firearm or other weapon on Sunday, which is hereby declared a rest day for all species of wild bird and wild animal life, except raccoons, which may be hunted until 2:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Arizona: Spousal Abuse Is Permitted(10 of12)
In the Arizona Constitution:"Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."Also on the books:It is legal for a man to beat his wife once a month. (via bored.com)
Wisconsin: Accept No Butter Substitutes(11 of12)
In the Wisconsin Constitution:"Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state."Also on the books:"97.18(4) The serving of colored oleomargarine or margarine at a public eating place as a substitute for table butter is prohibited unless it is ordered by the customer."
Tennessee: Skunk Ban(12 of12)
In the Tennessee Constitution:"The historical institution and legal contract solemnizing the relationship of one man and one woman shall be the only legally recognized marital contract in this state. Any policy or law or judicial interpretation, purporting to define marriage as anything other than the historical institution and legal contract between one man and one woman is contrary to the public policy of this state and shall be void and unenforceable in Tennessee. If another state or foreign jurisdiction issues a license for persons to marry and if such marriage is prohibited in this state by the provisions of this section, then the marriage shall be void and unenforceable in this state."Also on the books:"70-4-208. Unlawful importation of skunks(a) It is unlawful for any person to import, possess, or cause to be imported into this state any type of live skunk, or to sell, barter, exchange or otherwise transfer any live skunk, except that the prohibitions of this section shall not apply to bona fide zoological parks and research institutions."
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