Kylie Keen talks Referendum
Law is a set of decided rules meant for the purpose of keeping the peace and security of society.
A referendum is a general vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular political question which may then become law.
In this year’s General Election, you will be asked to make a choice on 2 different referendums: The legalising of cannabis and the End of Life choice referendum.
If you are enrolled to vote you can vote in these referendums and as an eligible voter you can choose to vote in all, some or none of these.
You can find information and answers to some of your questions on the official Government referendum website https://www.referendums.govt.nz/
So while you give some thought to those two questions let’s take a look at some interesting laws from around our world:
1. In Milan, Italy - it is a legal requirement to smile at all times except at funerals or hospitals;
2. It’s illegal to ride a cow drunk in Scotland;
3. You must walk your dog daily in Rome - where strict animal cruelty laws also include that pet goldfish must not be kept in a bowl but a full sized aquarium;
4. It is a legal requirement you must wear underwear when leaving your house in Thailand. No commando.
5. Living in Japan - unless you’re a Sumo Wrester it is illegal to be obese where the Government has set waistline limits; Another biscuit anyone?
6. During Oktoberfest in Munich no person is ever legally drunk no matter how much alcohol they have consumed;
7. Fancy a chat in Russia - it’s illegal to say any sentence containing more than four words in English;
8. Heading to the beach in France - men must wear speedos. French law states men must not wear loose fitting swimwear (more for safety reasons than aesthetics);
9. Going for a bike ride in Mexico - you may not lift your feet off the pedals as this may result in lose of control. No mention of hands remaining on the handlebars; and
10. As tempting as it sometimes seems - if living in Florida your children can absolutely not be offered for sale!
Oh and why did the chicken cross the road? They can’t in Georgia, USA where it is illegal for your chicken to cross the road (to encourage owners to keep their chickens under control). So no getting to the other side.