The Michigan Senate passed package of bills Wednesday that repeals more than 80 antiquated laws. The package now moves to to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature. The laws include one about swearing in public, one about mocking someone who doesn't accept a duel, and on about how "The Star Spangled Banner" is sung.

The laws being repealed include:

  • Trespassing on a cranberry, huckleberry or blackberry marsh, which carries a sentence of 90 days in jail.
  • Swearing in front of women and children, and making fun of someone who doesn’t accept a duel which are both misdemeanors that carry a penalty of a $750 fine.
  • Singing "The Star Spangled Banner" in a nontraditional or disrespectful manner is a misdemeanor that could land you in jail for three months.
  • Currently any able-bodied man over the age of 18 is required to respond to the state Department of Natural Resources to help out in cases of emergency. Failing to do that is a misdemeanor.
  • There's a law on the books in Michigan right now that prohibits the use of certain words in print advertising relating to sexual diseases, including:  “lost manhood” or “lost vitality or vigor.” Break that law, and you could be charged with a misdemeanor carrying a punishment of one year in jail.
  • Certain endurance contests, such as walk-a-thons, are illegal and carry a jail sentence of 90 days or a $100 fine.

State Rep. Chris Afendoulis from Grand Rapids Township, sparked the effort to repeal antiquated laws, and hopes that they will look into some more of them next year.

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