New Zealand Approves Pastafarians To Perform Marriage Ceremonies

A Notice published in the Dec. 10 New Zealand Government Gazette approved the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster as an organization that qualifies under Sec. 9 of the Marriage Act 1955 to nominate persons to solemnize marriages.  To qualify under the statute, "one of the principal objects of the organisation" must be "to uphold or promote religious beliefs or philosophical or humanitarian convictions." The Freethinker reports on the decision to allow the group, whose followers are known as "Pastafarians" to perform wedding ceremonies. [Thanks to Paul de Mello for the lead.]