For three years, Niko Alm has been under the care of a psychologist, all because he tried to assert his right to religious freedom. You see, Niko Alm is a Pastafarian, which means he’s a member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and wanted to show his devotion to his religion by wearing a spaghetti strainer (or collander) on his head. The country of Austria, meanwhile, decided that Niko was probably crazy and had him banned from driving pending a mental evaluation. Three years later, Niko Alm has a new driver’s license, complete with a strainer on his head.
“Today I was able to get my new driving licence, and in it you can clearly see that I’m wearing a colander on my head to demonstrate my allegiance to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster,” wrote Mr. Alm in a blog post. “My headwear has now been recognized by the Republic of Austria.”
Call it a victory for satirists everywhere. Truly, Mr. Alm has been blessed by his noodly appendage.
Tags: Flying Spaghetti Monster, Pastafarian, Pastafarian can wear strainer on his head, strainer, unusual headgear, unusual hats, Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Niko Alm, Austria, Austrian man wears a strainer on his head, driver’s license, freedom of religion