Bizarre, Antiquated Laws

PART IV: MAKE A CHANGE

 
Across the pond, Vice writer Oobah Butler got so fed up with a bunch of old laws that he traipsed around London breaking as many as he could in front of law enforcement. From shaking out rugs after 8 a.m. in a certain district to handling salmon under suspicious circumstances, he broke a whole slew of laws—and wasn’t arrested.
 
When one can do something like that, it’s clear that those laws are a waste of space. This is especially true because sometimes, these crazy old laws are dusted off and used to arrest people going about their normal, acceptable 21st century lives. If you’re fed up with a silly old law in your state, check out what other concerned citizens have done to make a change.

1. Find Friends
If you think a law needs to go, chances are a lot of other folks think so too. If the law specifically impacts a group of people, that’s a good place to start. For example, if you’re targeting a law that prevents bikes from being parked in certain areas, look for bicycle clubs in your area. If you want to remove an old anti-LGBTQ law, like the one banning gay marriage still on the books in Florida, LGBTQ rights organizations can help.
 
2. Start a Petition
Collecting signatures is one of the oldest ways to make a change, and the internet has made it incredibly easy. Petitions on websites like change.org can make a real difference—many laws have been changed or put in place after petitions gathered tens of thousands of signatures.
 
3. Present Your Case
Presenting your case to the decision-makers is a final step to the process. A recent example was set by 9-year-old Dane Best, who presented his case to the Severance Town Council in Colorado. The presentation resulted in the legalization of throwing snowballs in the town.
 
 
Be the Difference

If you truly want to avoid being prosecuted under bizarre, antiquated laws—such as a law prohibiting witchcraft used to charge a Canada woman—getting rid of the laws entirely is the best option. If you’re armed with grit, comrades, and a petition, your fight for change has a good chance of success.
 
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