YouTubeA Russian Pastafarian has received a stern warning from police after his driving license photo was approved by authorities.
In keeping with the faith’s doctrine, Andrey Filin used an image of him wearing the ‘traditional’ colander hat for his driving license photo.
But as the state must respect Pastafarianism as a genuine religion, Andrey has been told it will not be seen as a joke if he is spotted driving without his knitted sieve hat.
According to RT the deputy head of the Moscow State Traffic Inspectorate said:
The next time he is stopped by the traffic police, if he doesn’t have a pasta strainer on his head, his license will be taken from him.
Торжество Пастафарианства в РФ! Раминь, братья и сёстры!!! Первые права с дуршлагом в России! Великий день! #Раминь pic.twitter.com/ixu6Rz8Y4Y
— Андрей Филин (@Barsyaka1) January 9, 2016
Andrey is not the first person to have the colander hat approved on religious grounds, as the faith continuing to grow.
According to Konbini Andrey is the fifth member of the religion, which worships the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Andrey told RT that he will drive wearing whatever he pleases.
He added:
If they try to take my license away – it will be a scandal. A few lawyers have already offered me their support and I would gladly accept their help.
It may well open a lengthy legal battle should Andrey fall foul of the law. It took three years for the first Pastafarian, Niko Alm, to gain the right to wear the strainer in his driving license photo.
But as religious headwear is legal while driving in Russia, provided it doesn’t obscure the face, Andrey may have a strong case.
