Kirsten Drysdale, ABC journalist and presenter on the hit show WTFAQ, is grappling with an unexpected dilemma.
She recently became a mother for the third time, and found herself astonished when her choice of a deliberately outrageous baby name was approved by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
While researching for an upcoming episode of WTFAQ, Drysdale was investigating the complexities surrounding legal names for newborns. The journalist was particularly keen on finding out what name the Registrar might automatically assign if a submitted name were to be rejected.
“We thought, what is the most outrageous name we can think of that will definitely not be accepted?” Drysdale explained. “Methamphetamine Rules we thought would surely get rejected, and then when it does, we can find out what name the Registrar chooses. It was really just a lighthearted, curious attempt to get an answer to this question.”
WTFAQ, hosted by a team that includes Chas Licciardello, Alex Lee, Lawrence Leung, Lou Wall, Cameron James, and Kirsten Drysdale, airs Wednesdays at 9pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. The show delves into the peculiarities of everyday life, often embracing humor and scientific methods to find answers to intriguing questions.
Shockingly, the name “Methamphetamine Rules” was approved expeditiously, leaving Drysdale in a state of disbelief. The birth certificate arrived, officially registering the unconventional name. “I don’t know how it slipped through,” Drysdale noted.
The NSW Registry admitted that the approval was an aberration, stating that they have since “strengthened” their vetting procedures to prevent similar errors. “The Registry has since strengthened its processes in response to this highly unusual event,” said a spokesperson.
Drysdale is currently awaiting approval for her son’s actual name, which she prefers to keep private. She humorously mentioned that the story would make for a fascinating tale on her child’s 21st birthday.
According to the NSW Registry, names with offensive or obscene characteristics are usually prohibited. Each name is evaluated on a “case-by-case” basis. In Drysdale’s case, the name will remain registered “forever,” even after it has been officially changed, although efforts are being made to rectify the situation.
SOURCE – News.com.au
