Two weeks ago, Bishop Rafael Zorzona Boy of Cádiz and Ceuta determined that Alex Salinas, 21, could not be a godparent at her nephew's Baptism.

But the woman, who has not yet undergone a sex change operation, has now been told she can be a godparent.

Ms Salinas said that the priest of the parish in which the Baptism will take place told her that the bishop realised he had made a mistake.

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Bishop Rafael Zornoza Boy of Cadiz and Cueta determined that Alex Salinas, 21, cannot be a baptismal sponsor because of canonical requirements that a sponsor live in accordance with the faith.

The bishop said Salinas's parish priest was "kind and understanding" in conveying this to her, adding that the priest assured her she could still spiritually encourage and help the child in living the faith.

Salinas said that the parish priest was initially receptive to having her be the child's godfather, but later changed his mind after contacting the diocese.

There have been questions as to whether the bishop's ruling infringes national hate-crimes law.

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It was years ago and we were walking through Cashel Mall during an afternoon shopping jaunt and she asked if, when she had children, I would be their godmother. Now, what I think I was supposed to do was grab her excitedly and yelp "yes!" and gush a bit about what an honour it was and how I was definitely suited to this role because of my advanced french plaiting skills and babies really like me and ohmigosh, I can't WAIT!

But because I am the sort of person who loves to rain on someone else's parade* I said rather flatly, "But how would that work? Because I'm totally an atheist." My friend looked incredibly deflated. If I had the opportunity to do it over again I would do the excited and flattered thing first and bring up the glaring flaw LATER.

The problem from my point of view was that even though my friend was that religious, I did know that she believed in God...and that I equally did not. I've been to a few christenings, and as I understand it, a godparent is supposed to have some input into the child's religious upbringing, which for obvious reasons is a role that I am not at all suited to.

I think religion is silly. But then most people in the world think Star Wars is silly, even though clearly it is a Very Serious Matter (as evidenced by this very long but entirely awesome blogpost that outlines the most artistically satisfying order in which to watch the films - it's not nearly as simple as you would imagine). Read more

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• Blog Idle with Moata on Stuff
• Image: Tyler