Noah’s Ark Park to Provide Tax Relief to Religious Workers

Ark Encounter Theme Park won religious freedom case that is worth millions in tax incentives.

The founder and the head of Answers in Genesis Ken Ham recently confirmed that his religious organization may recruit people who are not completely in line with its religious denomination. He was speaking after a successful lawsuit victory over Kentucky State in January in his fight to get tax incentives for a Noah’s Ark-themed attraction that is situated in Williamstown city in the Northern part of Kentucky.

Noah’s Ark Park to Provide Tax Relief to Religious Workers.[/tweetthis]

His message of hope was echoed during his visit to the Ark Encounter when he went to check its construction progress. Measures are underway that will establish clear guidelines on how the employment criteria will be undertaken for the 510-foot boat attraction.

The U.S. Federal Judge, Gregory Van Tatenhove made a ruling in favor for Ken Ham.  He based his ruling on the fact that state officials infringed the amendment rights of Answers in Genesis by declining to include it in a sales tax incentive that amounted to millions of dollars. The state based its decision on the group’s “religious purpose and message.”

In his Facebook post, Ham said that "Atheist organizations and other secular groups have been falsely claiming that AiG/Ark Encounter should not receive a facially neutral tax incentive in Kentucky because of our Christian message."

Where did all this battle begin? In December 2014, the Kentucky state officials terminated an offer of $ 18 million inform of tax incentives to the Ark Encounter. It was after the regulation that required employees of Answers in Genesis to sign a declaration of faith including the credence in creationism.

The recent report according to Ken stated that Ark Encounter is planning to use a different statement of faith with lenient religious obligations. The statement completion measures are underway, and it will be released to the public months prior to the Ark Encounter official opening which is set to take place on July 7.

According to Mark Looy, a co-founder of Answers in Genesis, there are more than 4,000 people who have already booked their space during its opening ceremony. During its first year of operation, the park is expected to host more than 1.4 million visitors.

Religious group wins battle for tax incentives for Noah's Ark Park https://t.co/7l4aDrNBHF via @enquirer

— Carrie B. Smith (@CarrieSmithEnq) January 26, 2016

But what does that come to per cubit?: Noah's Ark Park wins battle for tax incentives https://t.co/K39Up3d7fj via @courierjournal

— Allen G. Breed (@AllenGBreed) January 26, 2016

Resources

• Courier-Journal
• World Religion News
• Jobs & Hire
• Facebook
• Religion News Service

Follow the Conversation on Twitter