Legislative history research reveals plenty of weird old legal statutes that are still on the books in certain cities or towns, that no longer make any sense, and possibly never did. Sometimes these legal statutes are repealed or amended, but oftentimes they remain on the books and are just ignored by citizens and authorities alike.
A little legislative research shows that while there are plenty of strange statutes that could be enforced at any time, there are a particular number of legal statutes that control your actions on Sunday. While these laws are intended to keep the Sabbath Day holy, with many involving the prohibition of alcohol sales, gambling, and business, there are some laws on the books about Sundays that don’t really seem to make much sense, much less have any kind of legislative intent.
Alabama: Dominoes may not be played on a Sunday in Alabama, and Cabbage cannot be sold.
Florida: In Florida, an unmarried woman may not parachute on Sunday.
Georgia: No one may carry an ice cream cone in his back pocket on a Sunday. (Is this even possible, in any state, at any time?)
Michigan: In Michigan, it’s illegal for a man to scowl at his wife on Sunday.
New Hampshire: On Sundays in New Hampshire, citizens may not relieve themselves while looking up. (No need to make direct contact with God while you’re doing what you’re doing.
Ohio: It’s illegal to fish for whales on Sunday in Ohio.
New York: In the Empire State, pinball machines absolutely may not be played on Sundays.
Tennessee: On Sundays in Tennessee, the sale of bologna is strictly prohibited.
Rhode Island: According to the Ocean State, you may not sell a toothbrush and toothpaste to the same customer on a Sunday. But it raises the question of what you can do with one without the other.
The good news is, not everything is outlawed on Sundays. For example, in West Virginia, it is perfectly legal to beat your wife on the courthouse steps on Sunday. Err, nevermind… Refernce materials.