Netherlands denies religious recognition, the Church may appeal to EU courts
Pastafarianism was rejected as a religion by the Dutch council of state.[/tweetit] Mienke de Wilde, a follower of Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, made a formal request to recognize the belief system as it would enable her to wear a colander in her driver's license and passport photos. According to the Dutch apex court, Pastafarianism cannot be regarded as a serious faith. The Dutch authorities will not provide a colander the status of much needed religious attire. De Wilde is presently actively considering whether to take her case to the appropriate European court dealing with human rights.
Flying Spaghetti Monster Denied Recognition in Netherlands[/tweetthis]
Bobby Henderson, an American, founded the Pastafarian church in 2005. He asked concerned state education officials to set aside some tracts of teaching time in science classes for classes in Flying Spaghetti Monsterism. This request was a direct response to many Christians pushing creationism to be included in the school education syllabus.
The ruling by the council of state said the law student living in the town of Nijmegen cannot be exempted based on religion when it comes to the ban on headwear imposed on official identity photographs. The court pointed out that Pastafarianism was essentially satire and cannot be counted as a serious faith.
Pastafarians worship their God, Flying Spaghetti Monster, and cover their heads with colanders. They regard pirates as original Pastafarians. The group’s followers reject any kind of "crazy nonsense" and consume pasta in huge quantities. They also respect every sentient being. Although essentially American, this satiric movement has spread to multiple countries. Most have not recognized Pastafarianism as a religion. A minuscule number of countries like New Zealand have provided official recognition. Pastafarian clergy in NZ can officiate marriages as of 2015. A few nations permit the followers of this group to wear pirate costumes and colanders in their official identity photographs.
A judge in the Netherlands said
A colander worn on the head
To worship spaghetti
Is silly and petty –
The Lord's not in pasta, but bread!#pastafarian https://t.co/URQ4PJFq5G— Mick Twister (@twitmericks) August 17, 2018
Henderson has composed Pastafarian tenets and even gave them the collective name of The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The 2006 written parody text has eight pillars, each beginning with the label "I'd Really Rather You Didn't." Following all the tenets will permit Pastafarians to ascend to a sort of heavenly abode populated by a beer volcano and stripper factory. Prayers are concluded with "Ramen" and not the traditional "Amen."