An upstate NY politician cemented his dedication to the First Amendment when he was sworn into office last week while wearing a spaghetti colander on his head as a symbol of "religious freedom." Behold:

Christopher Schaeffer, town council member and Pastafarian, sworn into office wearing a colander on his head. pic.twitter.com/x6qiG3a0ud — Hokie Wartooth (@Hokie_Wartooth) January 6, 2014

Christopher Schaeffer, a new Councilperson for the Town of Pomfret, NY, reportedly donned the odd headgear in homage to his role as a Pastafarian minister. Pastafarians, if you are not aware, are members of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Pastafarians oppose the teaching of creationism in school, are fans of beer and believe they are descendants of pirates, who according to their website "were peaceful explorers and it was due to Christian misinformation that they have an image of outcast criminals today."

Schaeffer, who hails from Pomfret's Village of Fredonia, says his colander hat meant no disrespect to the Town Council. "It's just a statement about religious freedom," he told local paper the Observer. "It's a religion without any dogma."

Why not? The United States has been a haven for religious groups of all shapes and sizes ever since the persecuted Pilgrims floated over from England to pursue their religious right to persecute pretty much all other religious groups and young ladies who could swim, after all. And though critics may ridicule Schaeffer for supporting a possibly satirical religion that worships His Noodly Appendage, it can't be that different from believing in, say, the Ten Plagues, or Tom Cruise's most recent acting skills. Pastafarians love beer and pirates, and presumably no one will make you feel guilty for having a mysterious "work emergency" on the High Holy Days. Secure your Pastafarian minister ordainment today for a cool $20.