Court Battle to Change Name to "Jesus Christ" Continues

The South African Mail and Guardian today reports on a legal battle over a name change in Washington, DC. Fifteen years ago, Peter Robert Phillips, Jr. changed his name on his passport, drivers' license and social security card to "Jesus Christ". In 2003, West Virginia refused to place this name on a deed to property without a formal name change. So Christ nee Phillips petitioned the District of Columbia Superior Court for a legal change of name. The trial court denied his request on the ground that use of this name is blasphemy and will cause a violent reaction. On April 7, 2005, the DC Court of Appeals reversed on the ground that the petitioner failed to publish notice of his proposed name change in a newspaper of general circulation as required by D.C. Code Sec. 16-2503, and that no transcript of the hearing in the trial court was filed with the appeal. The court remanded the case so it can proceed in accordance with applicable rules. Phillips attorney, who reports that a new hearing is expected within the next two months, says that his client is a devout Christian who is expressing respect and love for his religion through the name change.