10 Unusual Things Banned By The Government

By Editorial Staff in Facts On 27th August 2016

We have all read lists of things that other countries have banned or regulated, but that list grows every year. In the US smoking in cars will soon be against the law, and in Canada, baby walkers are outlawed. But this new batch of banned items from around the world are as bizarre as they are ridiculous.

#1 More Weird & Unusual Bans

If you thought the ban on smoking in cars was bad, at least we haven't been banned from driving cars or being emo. It's not secret that some governments ban things out of security precautions for their citizens, but other things are simply banned because of who or what they represent. In Russia, for example, a new law prohibits anyone from using photoshop or other photo manipulation materials to create derogatory pictures of others. And that's just the start of some of these weird banned things from around the globe.

#2 Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga found herself banned from China in 2016 after she chose to meet with the Dalai Lama to discuss yoga, meditation, and other positive topics. The Dalai Lama has been living in exile out of China since 1858 because the governments see him as a threat to overthrow the country. After Lady Gaga met with the religious figure, her music and herself were banned from the country of China. They erased her like she had never existed. She's in good company. though, as China has also banned other musicians like Bjork, Marroon 5, and Oasis.

#3 Social Media

In early 2015, thousands of Ugandan citizens found themselves unable to access any of their social media accounts. This was all due to an unannounced ban set forth by the country's new government. Because social media is seen as a medium that is used to provoke and sway people's votes, the government wanted to avoid riots and violence by restricting access to a venue where people could discuss issues regularly. This was all during the election of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been president of Uganda since 1986. As of July 2016, internet access is still blocked in the country.

#4 The Furby

Furby was a hit toy among kids in the late 90s and early 2000s. The little creature had huge eyes that could see you and it could talk. The United States government had its fears about the toy and linked it to possible espionage by the makers in Japan. Especially since it mimicked the speech and words of its owner. So they banned Furby from the National Security Administration, The Pentagon, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and the White House. Furby is pretty much banned anywhere that national security and sensitive information are discussed.

#5 Jasmine

It sounds odd that a flower is banned from a country, but after the Tunisian Jasmine Revolution that spoke out against president Zine El Abidine Bel Ali, the country of China panicked. Their own citizens began to get inspired by the Jasmine Revolution and people began to dissent. To stop this, China banned the use of the word Jasmine from being used, then went on to ban any photographs of the flower and even the cartoon Jasmine from 'Aladdin'. Then the flower itself was completely banned, causing tea makers to get very upset because they used Jasmine as their staple flower.

#6 Sodomy

While it may seem impossible to regulate what people do inside of their own bedrooms, 14 states in the US have sodomy laws that ensure certain acts are banned. The law is an attack on the homosexual community as well as those who are sexually adventurous. Over time, some states have lifted the bans, but states like Alabama, Kansa, Idaho, Michigan, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virgina, and Utah still have their sodomy laws in effect.

#7 Vitamin Enriched Foods

In 2004, due to increasing concerns about food safety, the government of Denmark made a decision to ban all fortified foods. This ban included Ovaltine, Shreddies, and Horlicks. Marmite, a popular food, was also on the list, but the government removed the ban on this yeast spread after people complained. It is now only illegal to advertise Marmite, not sell it. Grocery stores can apply for a special permit to allow them to sell fortified foods, but the paperwork is so lengthy and complicated that most choose not to bother. Many people in Denmark rely on clever smuggling of vitamin enriched foods to complete their grocery shopping.

#8 Reincarnation

Reincarnation is another thing banned in China. Because of the officials of Communist China being atheists, reincarnation makes no sense. There is no need to celebrate the spiritual rebirth is spirituality does not exist. Unless you have government permission, you can't be reborn into your next life in China. This ban was actually put into place to affect the Tibetan Buddhist population, and also to create a way for China to select the next Dalai Lama.

#9 Emo Clothes

This is a strange thing to worry about, but the Russian government has banned Emo clothing. They believe that by doing so it can reduce teen suicide. In 2008 the government enacted a new law called "Government Strategy In The Sphere Of Educational And Spiritual Education", which was an outline for things that kids could and could not do any longer in Russia. It mentions that Emo clothing and anything to do with the Emo movement or culture was a 'threat to national stability'.

#10 Valentines Day

Valentines Day is already a pretty controversial holiday, and quite insane for the single people who are forced to live through a day that celebrated love, marriage, togetherness, and romance. It promotes the idea that everyone should have a girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, lover or spouse. There are several countries like Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, that have banned Valentine's Day because they believe it promotes immoral activities like drinking and having casual sex.

#11 Cars

It should come as no surprise that North Korea has banned many things over the years, and that includes cars. Unless you're a government officer, you are not allowed to own or drive a car. People are only allowed to take public transit. If you are one of the very rare and lucky people allowed to drive a car, you are not allowed to drive in the car by yourself, you must have at least two passengers with you. There are lots of rules and regulations for drivers as well. The rules are so overwhelming that to the people holding a license, it isn't worth the hassle.