Did you know that there are places in the world where it is actually illegal to die? These unusual laws may seem bizarre, but they have a purpose, as dying in certain locations can create logistical and environmental problems. In this article, we will explore some of these locations where it is illegal to die.
1. Sarpourenx, France
Sarpourenx, a small village in southwestern France, made headlines in 2008 when it passed a law making it illegal to die there. The reason for this law was that the town cemetery was full, and the village had been trying for years to acquire more land for additional burial plots. Although the law was eventually repealed, it sparked a conversation about the challenges many small towns face with limited burial space.
2. Longyearbyen, Norway
Longyearbyen, a town in Svalbard, Norway, is the world’s northernmost settlement with a permanent population. It is illegal to die here because of the permafrost in the region, which slows down the decomposition process and can cause diseases to linger. As a result, the town’s cemetery has not accepted new burials since the 1950s. Anyone who is terminally ill is required to leave the town and go to the mainland to pass away.
3. Biritiba-Mirim, Brazil
Biritiba-Mirim is a small town located in the São Paulo state of Brazil. In 2005, the town passed a law making it illegal to die there, citing a lack of cemetery space as the reason. The town’s mayor at the time, Roberto Pereira da Silva, was determined to create a solution to the cemetery space problem and even offered free burial plots to anyone who moved to the town. The law was eventually repealed, but the mayor’s efforts did result in the creation of a new cemetery.
4. Falciano del Massico, Italy
Falciano del Massico is a small town located in southern Italy. In 2012, the town passed a law making it illegal to die because the local cemetery was full, and there was no room for additional graves. The law was repealed a few months later after the town acquired additional land for a new cemetery. However, the law sparked a conversation about the challenges many small towns face with limited burial space.
5. Lanjarón, Spain
Lanjarón is a town located in the Granada province of Spain. In 1999, the town passed a law making it illegal to die without a pre-purchased burial plot or tomb. The reason for the law was that the town’s cemetery was at capacity, and there was no additional space for new burials. The law was later amended to allow for new burial plots to be created. It is still illegal to die without a pre-purchased plot or tomb.
In conclusion, while it may seem strange that there are places where it is illegal to die, these unusual laws were created to address a serious issue – limited burial space. The challenges of burial space are not unique to these locations. Many cities and towns around the world face similar problems. These unusual laws serve as a reminder that planning for the future is crucial, even when it comes to death.
