According to the Humanist Society (Singapore), a local long-time follower of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster has exercised his right to wear a strainer on his head for the picture that appears on his driving license in Victoria, Australia.

Singaporean Dan Tang, who volunteers at the organisation, could well be the first Singapore citizen to do so, after some Americans, Australians, and Russians.

(For the uninformed, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster first came into mainstream awareness in 2005, C.E. Believers in this faith are known as Pastafarians, and they number in the thousands — mostly in North America and Europe. They worship a deity known as the Flying Spaghetti Monster, whom they sometimes refer to as "His Noodly Appendage".)

Anyway, the Humanist Society interviewed Tang, and here are some of its highlights — you can read it in full here:

Why did you choose to wear a strainer for a driving license photo? Did you buy the strainer yourself just for the photo, or do you actually use that to cook pasta?

Dan: I thought it’s a funny and lighthearted way to make a stand against teaching Intelligent Design and Creationism in schools in a non-offensive way. I’ve actually borrowed the strainer from my friend’s kitchen. It has been used for lots in cooking for many yummy dishes, such as making pasta dishes and draining water for vegetables.

How did people react to the sight of you wearing the strainer? For example, the license-giving officers and the cameraman who took your picture?

Dan: Some were just bewildered, astonished or amused at the situation. The cameraman had to refuse my request and brought me to see his operation manager. But I came prepared, showing proof that there’s already a prior precedent in the state of Victoria, that wearing a strainer as a ‘religious’ headgear is not illegal so long the headgear does not cover one’s face. In that respect, I believed I’m adequately covered and should have no problem persuading the officer to let me have my way.

Would you encourage other followers of His Noodiness to wear the strainer? Why is it important?

Dan: Absolutely. If there’s an opportunity for you to do so in Singapore, why not. After all, I believe that Singapore is a secular state and religion are both respected and protected. The founding ideals of the Church of FSM is noble and worth protecting, so go forth and spread the idea! Ramen.

Last we checked, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster was officially recognised in Poland, the Netherlands and New Zealand (where the Church is allowed to carry out wedding ceremonies), but not in lovely Singapore.

But IF there was indeed a religious representative of the Church living in the city-state, Pastafarians here can take pride that their leaders are not embroiled in court cases, among other things.

Top image from Humanist Society (Singapore)

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