michigan-capitol-angle.jpg

The Michigan Capitol in downtown Lansing.

(Jonathan Oosting | MLive.com)

LANSING, MI -- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed a package of bills to repeal a series of outdated and unenforceable laws, including a prohibition against cursing in front of women or kids.

Gone from the books are criminal statutes that had banned people from embellishing the national anthem, hosting walkathons or talking trash during a duel.

"Modernizing state government is an ongoing effort," Snyder said in a statement. "I appreciate the work of the legislature in analyzing the criminal code and eliminating statutes that no longer make sense in the 21st century."

Here's a look at some of the old laws that Michigan is scrapping.

* Cursing in front of women or kids: The Michigan penal code had made it a misdemeanor crime to use "indecent, immoral, obscene, vulgar or insulting language in the presence or hearing of any woman or child."

* Embellishing the national anthem: The penal code had prohibited the performance of the Star Spangled Banner in a public venue "except as an entire and separate composition or number and without embellishments or other melodies." The penal code also prohibited any part of song from being played as part of a medley. Violations were a misdemeanor crime.

* Trespassing in a huckleberry marsh: House Bill 4249 repeals older laws regarding specific types of trespassing -- such as entering a huckleberry or blackberry marsh -- which are now covered by the state's general trespass and larceny laws.

* Hosting a walkathon: House Bill 4250 repeals a law making it illegal to promote, conduct or participate in an endurance contest, such as a walkathon.

* 'Monstrosity' language: House Bill 4709 removes outdated language prohibiting a doctor or other person from putting a "deformed human being or human monstrosity" on display or in an exhibition. The state has adopted more contemporary language prohibiting the public display of a "disabled or disfigured" individual.

* 'Lost manhood' language: The penal code had contained some restrictions on print advertisements related to sexual diseases. It was a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine, to use phrases like "lost manhood" or "lost vitality and vigor."

* Able-bodied fire fighting: Under one repealed law, any able-bodied male over the age of 18 could have been required to assist the Department of Natural Resources in an emergency situation, such as a forest fire. Refusing without reasonable justification had been a misdemeanor.

The outdated laws were targeted for repeal by a legislative workgroup chaired by Republican Reps. Chris Afendoulis of Grand Rapids Township and Kurt Heise of Plymouth Township. The various measures passed both chambers with broad and bipartisan support.

Jonathan Oosting is a Capitol reporter for MLive Media Group. Email him, find him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.