Language policy at the Swedish Tax Board

[Harold F. Schiffman]

Baby's Name Rocks Swedish Tax Board

Metallica may be a swell name for a heavy-metal band. But for a
6-month-old Swedish girl? The decision by Michael and Karolina Tomaro to
give the name to their child has led to a clash between them and the
Swedish tax agency, The Associated Press reported. Ms. Tomaro, 27, said
yesterday: It suits her. Shes decisive and knows what she wants. Although
Metallica has been baptized, the Swedish Tax Board, which approves names,
maintains the population registry and issues personal identification
numbers, has refused permission, saying Metallica was associated with the
rock group and the word metal. The Tomaros appealed to the County
Administrative Court in Goteborg, which ruled in their favor on March 13
and also noted that a woman in Sweden already has Metallica as her middle
name. The tax agency has appealed, frustrating the family's travel plans.
We've had to cancel trips and can't get anywhere because we can't get her
a passport without an approved name, Ms. Tomaro said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/04/arts/04arts.html

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