|
|
|
|
| AiG to File Discrimination Suit against Kentucky |
|
February 3, 2015
Dear Ark Encounter supporter,
As construction moves forward on the life-size Ark, Answers in Genesis (AiG) confirmed today it is filing a federal lawsuit against Kentucky state officials for denying the park participation in the state’s tax rebate incentive program. Although the program is available to all qualifying tourist attractions seeking to build in the state, AiG’s application was rejected solely because of the religious identity and message of AiG. The lawsuit explains how this action by Kentucky officials, including Gov. Steve Beshear, violates federal and state law and amounts to unlawful viewpoint discrimination.
Constitutional law attorney Mike Johnson is the chief counsel of Freedom Guard and is serving as counsel in the case with Nate Kellum, chief counsel of the Center for Religious Expression. Both public interest law firms are providing their legal services to AiG free of charge.
“Our organization spent many months attempting to reason with state officials so that this lawsuit would not be necessary,” said AiG president Ken Ham. “However, the state was so insistent on treating our religious entity as a second-class citizen that we were simply left with no alternative but to proceed to court. This is the latest example of increasing government hostility towards religion in America, and it’s certainly among the most blatant.”
I strongly encourage you to watch the following video, where Ken Ham and Mike Johnson share relevant background concerning its suit:
To view additional short videos and other information on this legal action, visit AnswersForFreedom.org.
After Kentucky granted preliminary approval in 2014 for AiG to receive a rebate of some of the new state sales taxes the Ark will generate after it opens in 2016, secularist organizations exerted tremendous pressure on state officials to rescind the approval. Anti-Christian groups objected to AiG’s statutory right to limit its hiring to people of the Christian faith, and to the content of the messages that will be presented at the Bible-themed park. Bowing to this pressure, state officials (including Gov. Beshear) announced a reversal on December 10, 2014.
We thank the Lord for your prayers and support of the evangelistic Ark Encounter outreach. I urge you to pray for Answers in Genesis, the Ark Encounter project, and the non-profit law firms that are representing us in this important case to defend religious freedom in our country.
Sincerely in Christ,
Joe Boone
VP of Advancement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
