Laws that today sound ridiculous, but were once real in Colombia (some are still in force)

Punishments for drunkenness and even the prohibition of poverty.

Colombia, like many countries, drags in its history a set of laws that today would seem part of a political satire or a bad comedy. But they are not. They were real, signed, published and obeyed – at least on paper. Some have already been repealed. Others, incredibly, remain in force, although in practice they contradict all modern legislation. Next, five examples that show how far the absurdity has arrived in our legislative history.

Law 62 of 1887: The importation of Chinese is prohibited for any type of work
At the end of the 19th century, when Panama was still part of Colombia, the construction of an interoceanic channel was raised. Among the possibilities, it was contemplated to hire Chinese labor. However, influential voices – including then President Rafael Núñez – expressed an open hostility towards the so -called “yellow race.” In that context, Vice President Licio Pcheón signed a law that literally prohibited Chinese entry to work in the country. Continue reading: “Colombia loses more ice”: one of the snowy of the country agonizes and could disappear in the next five years

The most unusual? This law is still in force. Although it contradicts the constitution and current immigration norms, it has never been formally repealed. Today, Chinese companies actively participate in national projects, such as the construction of the Bogotá Metro, which makes this law a useless relic but still written in official books.

Law 66 of 1874: reduction and civilization of “indigenous tribes”
This rule established the creation of a “general meeting” in charge of “directing, inspecting and regulating” the reduction and civilization of the country’s indigenous peoples. Language is as violent as the spirit of the law: it was assumed that indigenous communities were wild that should be converted to the “national order.”

Although the 1991 Constitution recognized Colombia as a multi -ethnic and multicultural state, this law remained in force for more than a century. It was only officially repealed in 2021, which shows how slow the country can be to close institutionalized discrimination chapters.

Law 85 of 1916: Lose citizenship for getting drunk
In an attempt to moralize the population, this law allowed to suspend Colombian citizenship who was surprised in drunkenness. An extreme sanction for behavior that, although it can be reproachable in certain contexts, should never touch fundamental rights.

The funny thing is that in countries like Germany, providing with a beer is part of the process to obtain nationality: they make alcohol a cultural symbol, not a reason for punishment. In Colombia, just over a century ago, civil rights could cost you.

Agreement 1 of 1918 of the Bogotá Council: Mendicity prohibited
Poverty is not fought with decrees, but that did not prevent the Council of Bogotá from approved an agreement that prohibited begging in the city. Logic was as absurd as cruel: if it is forbidden to ask for alms, then poverty is eliminated by decree.

This measure, rather than solving a social problem, criminalized the most vulnerable, further pushing margins. An idea that, although it seems overcome, still resonates in certain populist proposals of the present.