Pastafar!
(From talk_politics )
Since we're about Religion Month... Here's what a prank an Austrian guy did the other day. Niko Alm applied for a driving license in Vienna, wearing a plastic colander on his head on the photo. Yep, a strainer for filtering spaghetti! And, surprise-surprise! The application was approved! Because Niko had explained that his strange headgear was a "pastafar", i.e. his religious hat. Here, look for yourselves!
This guy defines himself as an atheist, and follower of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The website of this "movement" says that the only dogma in their doctrine is the rejection of any dogmas.
The Austrian police announced that his photo was approved because it had met the only important requirement: the citizen's face should be perfectly visible on the photo. They also explained that their decision had nothing to do with the guy's religious beliefs.
However, before the issuing of the driving license, Niko had to go through the regular psycho test to prove that he was able to drive a motor vehicle. And even after he passed the test successfully it took about a year for the document to be issued.
The eccentric guy says that since the Austrian authorities allow the issuing of official documents with all sorts of religious hats on the head, he should have the right to demonstrate his faith (or lack of it) as he pleases. I say bravo, Austria! And bravo, Niko. You've set a curious precedent, and touched on a deeper issue about religious tolerance, the freedom of confession and, if you like, on the burqa debate.
Since we're about Religion Month... Here's what a prank an Austrian guy did the other day. Niko Alm applied for a driving license in Vienna, wearing a plastic colander on his head on the photo. Yep, a strainer for filtering spaghetti! And, surprise-surprise! The application was approved! Because Niko had explained that his strange headgear was a "pastafar", i.e. his religious hat. Here, look for yourselves!
This guy defines himself as an atheist, and follower of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The website of this "movement" says that the only dogma in their doctrine is the rejection of any dogmas.
The Austrian police announced that his photo was approved because it had met the only important requirement: the citizen's face should be perfectly visible on the photo. They also explained that their decision had nothing to do with the guy's religious beliefs.
However, before the issuing of the driving license, Niko had to go through the regular psycho test to prove that he was able to drive a motor vehicle. And even after he passed the test successfully it took about a year for the document to be issued.
The eccentric guy says that since the Austrian authorities allow the issuing of official documents with all sorts of religious hats on the head, he should have the right to demonstrate his faith (or lack of it) as he pleases. I say bravo, Austria! And bravo, Niko. You've set a curious precedent, and touched on a deeper issue about religious tolerance, the freedom of confession and, if you like, on the burqa debate.