legal aspects

Custom Search

[Gahd]

I'm new to understanding Rastafarian-ism as religion.  I have somewhat long hair for a male and I have unknowingly been following many of the beliefs of Rastafarian-ism.  I believe that God is in me and that I am one with the divine holy essence I call upon as God.  I have long since stopped smoking the divine herb but I have specific views on the use of its mind altering effects.  I would love to discuss these things at some point however at this time I would like to address a specific matter.

Has this religion been legally recognized and is there any form of documentation that can be obtained to validate ones claim to the religion.  I know that if I got caught with a joint that I could not use Rastafarian-ism as an excuse (well I could but I would still be breaking the law of this land which would be punishable.  But if I were discriminated against for having long hair (which to me I feel a spiritual connection with) or were told I had to cut my hair what recourse would I have to fight this??

I recently saw in the news about a young gentleman (white) claim to be a rasta so he wouldn't have to cut his hair to attend school.  Clearly this was for attention and may have some validity but I felt it was more so the only loop hope he could find to manipulate the situation( but I digress).  I have been wanting to join the armed forces for quite some time.  I am 22 and have been going back and forth with enlisting since I was 18.  I have always had somewhat long hair whether it was curly(natural) but looked short or the current state straight.  Should I decide to enlist I would rather not cut my hair, And considering my somewhat radical anti white fathers beliefs and my own beliefs obtained through life and my enlightened moments I really feel as if I have been a long time practicing Rastafarian although it has not been made official til my recent verbal proclamation.  Should I be refused entry to the armed forces for not being willing to cut my hair due to my religion I would be forced take legal action.  I do not plan on suing for money but all I want to do is serve my country with the religious beliefs and (I'd be lying if I didn't say) appearance I am comfortable with.  To make my case I would need more than my verbal proclamation as evidence.  So I guess I just need to know if there is any form of proof that one can obtain acknowledging my participation of this religion??

[MaoriLion]

Unfortunately as far as I know Babylon doesn't show us any signs of raspect towards our beliefs or even recognition of our faith. I think its very good of the I to be so passionate about wanting to live the way the I wants and is willing to face Babylon. It is the right of every Ras to practice their faith without pestering others and to live in harmony with nature. The army along with money, lies and fear is one of the main weapons of Babylon, why would the I want to join them?

Remember the 6th commandment, it applies no matter what: "You shall not kill"

Jah bless and guidance.