Millinocket man allowed to take state ID photo with religious horns

PORTLAND (WGME) -- A Millinocket man says after a name change the state wouldn't issue him an ID with his religious headwear on.

Now, months later, he says he finally has a new ID on the way.

Phelan MoonSong says he had a photo taken after he changed his name in June.

He says he was told to send documentation about his religious headwear to the Secretary of State’s office.

MoonSong says last week he was told he could take another picture, but wasn't given a reason why his ID was being rejected.

He says he was in the Portland area this week, and the BMV allowed him to take the picture with the horns.

“I think they tried to think they needed to have a more stringent rule or reason why my spirituality or my religion was a proper one,” MoonSong said. “That's not really required, just a strong belief to start any church or religion.”

MoonSong says he follows Paganism, and that the horns often are a conversation starter with people who are curious.

He says his new ID is on the way.