A MUSICIAN who accused the DVLA of religious discrimination after they rejected a driving licence photo of him wearing a colander is to stage a protest.

Ian Harris, a member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, caused a media storm after speaking to The Argus about his complaint to the governing body.

The 51-year-old, from Hove, wanted the official photo to show his allegiance to the faith – which promotes a light-hearted view of religion – by wearing the bowl-shaped utensil it sees as sacred head gear.

His renewal photograph was rejected on the grounds it did not comply with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s legal requirements.

Also known as Pastafarianism, critics claim the religion is a parody.

Banjo playing Mr Harris – who is a member of Brighton band The Iron Boot Scrapers – is now taking his fight a step further with a protest on Sunday after receiving another refusal letter.

The DVLA’s operational driver investigation team manager said the body was required to abide by the Equality Act 2010 which defines religion and belief.

The letter said: “In order to be protected by the act, a religion or belief must be recognised as being cogent, serious, cohesive and compatible with human dignity.

“Your religion is not included in this definition and consequently neither is the head wear you have provided in the photograph.”

Mr Harris said: “I think it’s wrong that just because they say our religion is not po-faced it is not accepted as real.

“I didn’t expect the story to go as far and wide as it did but I’m happy it brought attention to the problem. I’ve had a lot of support from people sending me pictures of them wearing their colanders.”

Last week the DVLA did not comment on the case but explained its photograph guidelines.

When contacted by The Argus again this week a spokeswoman said: “Our guidelines on acceptable photographs mirror those of the Passport Office. The photograph must be clear and a current likeness of the driver.

“Headgear is generally not acceptable, but may be allowed on religious or medical grounds and any exemptions are dealt with on a case by case basis.”

The protest takes place from 2pm in New Road, Brighton, and everyone attending is urged to wear a colander.

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Ian’s story

THE ARGUS exclusively broke the story on Tuesday last week.

Since then national media – as well as press in Norway – television and radio channels have also featured the story of colander-wearing Ian Harris.

He argued he should be allowed to wear his religious head dress alongside other faiths.

Mr Harris is the creator of The Iron Boot Scrapers. The group perform popular hits with folk, brass and percussion instruments.

They have performed across Brighton and Hove at events such as the Naked Bike Ride.

They are also set to appear at this year’s Brighton Fringe.