**********MEDIA RELEASE 22 MAY 2017**********

On behalf of the CFSMA I am delighted to announce that the Hon. Melinda Pavey, NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, has confirmed that the present policy enforced by RMS regarding religious head coverings in driver’s licenses (that specifically named Pastafarians as being subject to discrimination by not allowing our chosen head covering to be worn) will be changed. The new policy will reflect the fact that NSW Government Departments will show respect and consideration towards all people who wear a head covering. When the new policy is implemented, people will no longer have their stated religion checked against a list of ‘recognised’ religions.

We would sincerely like to thank the Minister for respecting religious equality and equality in general. We would also like to thank the member of our congregation who has spent over a year having a respectful dialogue with the RMS and various elected representatives to have this issue of discrimination resolved in such an admirable manner.

Any questions can be directed to the undersigned.

Tanya Watkins
Captain
Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster Australia

Letter from Minister Pavey re NSW driver’s license 22 May 2017