Pastafarianism Not Legally Recognized in U.S.

Generally, American law protects prisoners’ rights to exercise their religious beliefs. However, that protection relies on the courts agreeing that your beliefs constitute a religion. Unfortunately for Nebraska inmate Stephen Cavanaugh, a U.S. District judge ruled this week that his religion of choice, Pastafarianism (also known as, and referred to in court documents, as FSMism) does not qualify for Constitutional protection.