Belonging to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM), ‘Pastafarian’ Lindsay Miller has won an appeal against the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) for the right to wear her colander in her license photo.
Lindsay stated that the colander was an essential representation of her religious beliefs and appealed that she be allowed adorn the utensil despite requirements that ID photos exclude smiling, glasses or headgear.
Though Lindsay’s application was initially denied, she won her appeal with the help of an attorney associated with the American Humanist Association.
Lindsay said, “As a member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I feel delighted that my Pastafarianism has been respected.
“While I don’t think the government can involve itself in matters of religion, I do hope this decision encourages my fellow Pastafarian Atheists to come out and express themselves as I have.”
A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles says policy does not permit head coverings or hats in license photos. But, exemptions can be made for religious or medical reasons.
The Pasatfarian website states the church has been around for hundreds of years, but only entered the mainstream in 2005.
The FSM church describes its self as having “millions, if not thousands, of devout worshipers”, and says it is “widely considered a legitimate religion”. For a mere $25 you can become ordained to be a Pastafarian Minister.
