Texas: A Breeding Ground for Oppression and Nonsensical Laws

Texas, a state known for its backward politics and repressive legislation, has a long list of bizarre and outright absurd laws that continue to oppress its citizens. From bodily autonomy to freedom of expression, Texans' fundamental rights are constantly under attack.

Here are 15 examples of Texas' messed-up laws:

1. Bodily Autonomy Denied:

   • Selling your organs is illegal (Tex. Pen. Code. §48.02). You could face a Class A misdemeanor, jail time, and hefty fines. Meanwhile, selling your blood and hair is totally fine.

2. Barefoot Shame:

   • While not a law, Texan high schoolers were shamed for going barefoot during the Great Depression, associating bare feet with poverty (Texas Monthly).

3. The Oppression of Standers:

   • In LeFors, you can't take more than three sips of beer while standing. Yet another way Texas tries to control its citizens' every move.

4. Trash Patriarchy:

   • Eating your neighbor's trash without permission is considered trespassing and property theft (Tex. Pen. Code. §31.04)/ It's 2023, and Texas still polices what people do with their bodies and their trash.

5. Wire cutter Control Now:

   • Carrying wire cutters in your pocket was illegal in Austin until 1973. Another example of Texas' "Wild West" mentality.

6. Milking Injustice:

   • Milking someone's cow is considered theft of personal property (Texas State Law Library). Texas continues to uphold laws that deny citizens their basic freedoms.

7. Buffalogate:

   • While you can't shoot buffalo from a hotel window, the fact that this was even considered shows how out of touch Texas lawmakers are.

8. Crime Notice 24/7:

   • The failed "Failure to Warn Victim of Crime" bill (statute) is a perfect example of Texas' obsession with controlling every aspect of its citizens' lives.

9. Flirting is Not a Crime:

   • Despite rumors, public flirting in San Antonio is legal. Texas can't regulate love or attraction, no matter how much it tries.

10. Common Law Confusion:

    • Texas recognizes common-law marriages, but the requirements are convoluted (Tex. Pen. Code. §2.401). Texans deserve better than this legal ambiguity.

11. Windshield Classism:

    • Driving without windshield wipers is illegal, but a windshield isn't required (Texas Department of Public Safety). Texas' car inspection process is classist and ableist.

12. Train Stoppage:

    • The Texas train crossing law wastes time and resources, causing unnecessary delays.

13. Sidewalk Injustice:

    • In Galveston, sitting on the sidewalk will cost you $500 (city code ordinances). Texas' anti-homeless laws are blatant displays of systemic Ableism.

14. Stocking-ate:

    • Dennison and Bristol criminalize showing your stockings, with potential jail time. This is a violation of basic fashion rights.

15. Feather Duster Gates:

    • Texas bans feather dusting in public buildings. What's next, Texas? Ban all feathers?

HG.org has spoken, and it's clear: Texas needs a serious legal overhaul to protect the rights of its citizens from these oppressive and downright wacky laws.