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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a Nebraska inmate's lawsuit that claimed he was denied his right to worship the Flying Spaghetti Monster, and that he was mocked and faced discrimination for his faith.
Stephen Cavanaugh's lawsuit sought $5 million and a court order mandating that inmates who consider themselves Pastafarians receive the same rights and privileges as inmates who practice other religions.
In dismissing the case, Judge John Gerrard ruled that the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is a parody meant to advance a legitimate argument about science, evolution and religion in public schools, but is not a religion as outlined by federal law.
The church's website sells certificates of ordination to be a "Pastafarian Minister" for $25, and suggests that the afterlife has a beer volcano.
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