Lean Left

Bowing to religious extremists who demand special exemptions from ordinary rules – such as providing clear identification photos on drivers’ licenses – Austria allows religious believers, only, the right to wear headcoverings in their ID photos. An Austrian Pastafarian has demanded that he be allowed to take his ID photo wearing headgear appropriate to his religion: a spaghetti strainer.

After three years of hassle, he won his case:

Of course, the authorities first made him submit to a psychological evaluation – a burden they do not impose on anyone who sincerely holds religious beliefs in unprovable supernatural events and mysterious magical beings, but for some reason felt they had to demand from someone who apparently thinks such things are silly. As in most religion-dominated countries, in Austria, not being crazy makes you crazy. But at least you get to wear the hat of your choice.