Neb. inmate can’t name himself ‘Sinner Bilskirnir’

A judge has rejected a request from a prison inmate who, for religious reasons, sought to change his name to "Sinner Lawrence Bilskirnir."

Jonathan L. Thomas cited his Norse religion in seeking the new name, saying he "is a heathen and Thor is his ‘High God.’"

But Lancaster County District Judge Steve Burns said Thomas’ reasons do not satisfy the legal requirements. Government agencies need to closely track Thomas because of his criminal record and because there are three child-support cases against him, Burns said.

In his ruling, Burns wrote, "Simply because a person is a Christian, a Jew or a Muslim, they do not change their name to Moses."