Phelan Moonsong, an ordained Pagan priest, said he is rarely without his goat horns, which serve as his “spiritual antennae.”

The Maine resident ran into trouble when he tried to sport goat horns for his driver's license photo. When Moonsong explained his religious beliefs to the Bureau of Motor Vehicle staff, he was told to appeal the issue to the Secretary of State's office, according to The Associated Press.

Moonsong defended his photo attire, saying it should be no different than a nun wearing a habit, or a Sikh wearing a turban.

A Secretary of State’s office spokeswoman said the department ruled to allow Moonsong to wear the goat horns in his driver’s license photo because he cited religious purposes and because the horns didn't obstruct his face. Moonsong was pleased with the ruling and received his new driver’s license in December.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

About the Author

Keep Reading

President Donald Trump speaks ahead of the signing of the Laken Riley Act in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025. (Nathan Posner for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Nathan Posner for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Featured

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., speaks during a town hall on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Atlanta at the Cobb County Civic Center. (Jason Allen/Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jason Allen/AJC