Issue 44.15
An article by Shaunacy Ferro on MSN.com recently caught my eye. Entitled “7 Places Where Dying is Not Allowed,” Ms. Ferro explores seven towns where dying is against the law. The punishment for death, however, has yet to be decided, as “no one has come up with a good punishment for the dead just yet.” Here’s a look at a few of these towns.
In August of this year, officials in Sellia, Italy, declared that getting sick is against the law, as illness may result in death. This decree, although unenforceable, is meant to encourage people to stay healthy, and any individual who doesn’t get a yearly checkup will be fined.
In 2007, Cugnaux, France, was facing a burial land shortage. Because of a high amount of ground water, the only land available to expand the town’s cemetery was on a military air base. The defense ministry would not allow this land to be used for burial, so Mayor Philippe Guérin decreed dying illegal for anyone who didn’t already own a crypt. This tactic worked, and the defense ministry changed their mind.
The town of Lanjaron, Spain, was facing a severe gravesite shortage in 1999. Because of this, residents were not allowed to die until arrangements could be made for a new cemetery. According to an AP story, a town decree encouraged residents “to take utmost care of their health so they do not die until town hall takes the necessary steps to acquire land suitable for our deceased to rest in glory.”
The mayor of Sarpourenx, France, declared dying illegal in 2008 due to overcrowding in the town’s cemetery. The new law read, “Offenders shall be severely punished.” However, as fate would have it, the 70-year-old mayor broke his own law and passed away later that year. Talk about irony!
Fortunately, here in beautiful Washington County, we don’t have to deal with these types of issues. Our city leaders have planned well to ensure that we have ample land available for our cemeteries. This allows us to properly care for our deceased in a respectful, dignified manner.
Serenity Funeral Home offers exceptional professional service. We are available to answer any questions you may have concerning burial or any other aspect of the funeral industry. We are located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, (435) 986-2085, www.SerenityStG.com.