Is Batman a New Religious Leader?

A man from a small town in Southern Holland has managed to get an official Netherlands ID card with a photo of himself made up to look like the Joker from Batman. By claiming that the make-up and hat were part of his religious beliefs, he managed to get around strict new rules for ID cards and passports. These rules state that the mouth must be closed and laughing is banned, but apparently smirking isn't. Head scarves are acceptable on religious grounds as long as the entire face is clearly visible.

For some peculiar reason, the town council approved the photo. Perhaps they belong to some strange religious sects themselves, so they didn't feel they could deny him. The man, who works as a security guard at Parliament protecting the Prime Minister's offices, told a radio station that he "wanted to show the rules were not up to scratch". Since he's been seen around town without the make-up, the council has now said he misrepresented himself and the ID is void. Sounds like the joke's on them.