West Virginia denies Jesus Christ a driver's license

THE WASHINGTON TIMES ^ | May 11, 2005 | Tarron Lively

[new cruelty]

In West Virginia, even Jesus Christ needs proper identification to get a driver's license.

Mr. Christ recently moved to West Virginia from the District, where he got a driver's license, a passport and a Social Security card bearing his name.

But the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles says that's not enough because he has not officially changed his name.

The name that appears on his Florida birth certificate -- Peter Robert Phillips Jr. -- is the one that must be displayed on his license, West Virginia DMV officials say.

Mr. Christ, who is in his 50s, changed his name about 15 years ago.

In 2001, he obtained his driver's license under the name Jesus Christ in the District. In court documents, Mr. Christ and his attorney A.P. Pishevar cite a 1977 common-law ruling that allows name changes without legal proceedings.

"It started as an expression of his faith," Mr. Pishevar said yesterday. "But he wanted his property in his name, so now he needs it documented for legal reasons."

A bus driver for the developmentally disabled, Mr. Christ applied for the legal name change in May 2003.

But, a D.C. Superior Court judge denied his request a month later because taking the name of Jesus Christ "may provoke a violent reaction or may significantly offend people."

Last month, the D.C. Court of Appeals reversed that decision and sent the case back to the lower court, which must set a new hearing in Mr. Christ's case.

[SittinYonder]

Yeah, but what's he driving?

[P.O.E.]

What would Jesus Drive?

[Tennessee_Bob]

Yeah, but what's he driving?

Moneylenders, if I remember correctly.

[lowbridge]

In West Virginia, even Jesus Christ needs proper identification to get a driver's license.

All he has to do is tell them that he pronounces his name "Hey-zeus", then they'll give him his license.

[Former Fetus]

I'm offended by someone using the name Jesus Christ. When do I start rioting? /sarcasm

[new cruelty]

Well, this one drives a bus! : )

[pageonetoo]

All he has to do is tell them that he pronounces his name "Hey-zeus", then they'll give him his license.

Nah, just add an H... or change it Sheets Byrd!

[SittinYonder]

Moneylenders, if I remember correctly.

You remember correctly.

[reagan_fanatic]

All he has to do is tell them that he pronounces his name "Hey-zeus", then they'll give him his license.

And free medical care plus a free pass to travel back and forth from Mexico, no doubt.

[lowbridge]

And in-state tuition to the college of his choice!

[MEpajamaMONSTER]

Bob you better read up it was a white donkey

[gridlock]

But, a D.C. Superior Court judge denied his request a month later because taking the name of Jesus Christ "may provoke a violent reaction or may significantly offend people."

Sounds like this is a proper response. This guy should get his butt kicked five times before breakfast.

[T'wit]

I can't BELIEVE an attorney named A.P. Pishevar.

[joesnuffy]

He doesnt have the right to 'significantly' offend people says de judge?

So its ok to insignificantly offend folks?

If a majority of people are offended then a crime is comitted?

But if a majority of people want a law passed a judge can overule them if he feels like it?

Nothing like a rubber set of rules...

[gridlock]

I WIN!

[COBOL2Java]

I can't BELIEVE an attorney named A.P. Pishevar.

He practices with the law firm Dewey, Cheatam & Howe. :-)

[Constitution Day]

[Hatteras]

"West Virginia denies Jesus Christ a driver's license "

While Levon, Levon slowly dies...

[new cruelty]

ROTFLOL.