Pastafarian fights to wear colander for DL

[my5cents]

Interesting News item on CTV Vancouver this morning.

A young man by the name of Obi Daniel Canuel says that ICBC is denying his right to religious expression. Canuel presented himself at a Motor Licensing Office to obtain a driver's license renewal wearing a pasta strainer on his head. ICBC refused to take a photo of him for his driver's license with the pasta strainer on his head.

He maintains he is a "Pastafarian" and that he gets solace from wearing the headgear.

I think he has a very good and strong point. Who can say what is and what is not a religion. If one religion can wear headgear in their DL photo, who's to say another can't.

[Glacier]

Published Thursday, August 14, 2014 8:50AM PDT
Last Updated Thursday, August 14, 2014 9:53AM PDT

An unusual religious headwear battle has hit a boiling point in Surrey, B.C., where a “Pastafarian” is fighting for his right to wear a colander in his driver’s licence photo.

Obi Canuel, who is an ordained minister in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, says the Insurance Corporation of B.C. is denying him the right to be able to wear the spaghetti strainer on his head.

The 36-year-old says he believed he would be able to wear the kitchen accessory when he renewed his licence last fall because ICBC affirms the right to religious expression.


But, the insurer disagreed. In a letter, they told him “there is no religious requirement that prohibits you from removing the colander for the purpose of taking the photo to appear on your driver’s license.”

ICBC said its religious head covering policy strive to strike a balance between respect for the driver’s religious beliefs and a need to preserve the integrity of the licensing system.

The company said it would not issue a new driver’s licence with the colander photo, but encouraged him to go into any office and have a free colander-free photo taken – and a new licence would be issued.

“The truth is sometimes I have the spiritual inkling to wear the colander and I don’t think ICBC should be making decisions about what kind of religious headgear is appropriate or not,” Canuel told CTV Vancouver.

Strangely, a photo of Canuel wearing the exact same strainer on his head was approved for his new B.C. Services card.
The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster was created nine years ago by a U.S. man to satirize certain aspects of creationism. It follows a belief that an undetectable flying pasta creature created the universe after “drinking heavily.”

As it gained popularity in the media, the Flying Spaghetti Monster became a symbol against intelligent design used in the public education system.

At least four countries, including the U.S., allow Pastafarians to wear colanders in their driver’s licence photos.

Canuel documented his struggles with ICBC in a YouTube video titled "Dear ICBC: Where is my license?"

[Atomoa]

Same guys that crashed the gay pride parade and handed out anti-homosexual flyers I believe.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2014/08/anti ... l-letters/

[driveangry]

I noticed that he wasn't allowed to were his " straight jacket" for the photo opt.

[Daspoot]

The guy handing out the anti-gay hate mail at the parade should have his colander pushed slowly to the ground with him under it, the resulting spaghetti-like extrusions would probably make for good compost.

[simnut]

The guy handing out the anti-gay hate mail at the parade should have his colander pushed slowly to the ground with him under it, the resulting spaghetti-like extrusions would probably make for good compost.

Ok, now I'm worried!!! First time I and Daspoot agree!!! Oh noooooo...........

[JLives]

Same guys that crashed the gay pride parade and handed out anti-homosexual flyers I believe.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2014/08/anti ... l-letters/

Why would an evangelical try to get their drivers license photo taken under the religion of FSM? It was used in the pride parade, along with a fake website, so their float would be approved and they could pass out their hate.

Aside from that, the dude really enjoying himself in the pink at the parade is Bill Whatcott while the guy trying to get a license is Obi Canuel.

I hope Canuel succeeds and I love what he is doing. The demands of other religions are just as ridiculous and I love how those who warship his noodley appendage are demonstrating that.

RAmen.

[my5cents]

Same guys that crashed the gay pride parade and handed out anti-homosexual flyers I believe.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2014/08/anti ... l-letters/

I don't think the two are related. Just both relate to pasta

[Daspoot]

Ok, now I'm worried!!! First time I and Daspoot agree!!! Oh noooooo...........

Let's see, that would make you a Pro-Republican, Harper fan, in favour of chopping what's left of environmental regulation, anti Boonstock, pro low speed limits, anti PIB, anti tourism, anti fun in the valley, in favour of rules pushed on the entire population to control statistically insignificant numbers of people, and worried about criminal drug gangs running rampant if pot is legalized.

But if you can't stand anti gay idiots, well i'm good with that 1 outa 10 ain't bad....

:D

[Atomoa]

I believe that anyone should have the right to practice their religion within reason (RCMP head dressing comes to mind - the world didn't end).

Edited for clarity.

[JLives]

FSM is a parody religion set up by atheists to show the ridiculousness of them.

Where on Earth do you get the idea they are anti-gay?

[Atomoa]

What did I miss? The anti gay people pretended to be FSM?

Edit - looks to be that way. No worries.

[JLives]

What did I miss? The anti gay people pretended to be FSM?

Edit - looks to be that way. No worries.

Lol. I was wondering. Yes, the anti-gay "Christians" pretended to be FSM so their parade float would be accepted and they could distribute their hate but they are definitely not affiliated.

[Atomoa]

Lol. I was wondering. Yes, the anti-gay "Christians" pretended to be FSM so their parade float would be accepted and they could distribute their hate but they are definitely not affiliated.

Yes - now I'm aware of the FSM. Funny stuff and I like the message.

[Captain Awesome]

Hmmmm, sounds like a "dumb but harmless" category to me.