Written by Don Byrd
Following reports that Ark Encounter, a creationist-themed park being developed in Kentucky, may be basing hiring decisions on applicants’ religious views, state officials have halted consideration of tax breaks for the enterprise. Church-state advocates have expressed concern about state support for Ark Encounter. Now the state is seeking its own assurances.
The Louisville Courier-Journal has more:
“The Commonwealth does not provide incentives to any company that discriminates on the basis of religion and we will not make any exception for Ark Encounter, LLC…” Stewart wrote. “The Commonwealth must have the express written assurance from Ark Encounter, LLC that it will not discriminate in any way on the basis of religion in hiring.”
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Mike Zovath, a co-founder of Answers in Genesis and executive director of Ark Encounter, said the matter is still under discussion with cabinet officials.
So, how can the state provide support for a biblical theme park in the first place? Proponents for the tax breaks argue that the incentives should be available to religious companies to the same extent they are to secular companies. But if so, those incentives should come with the same rules that all recipients must follow, including rules prohibiting religious discrimination in hiring. Kudos to Kentucky for being prepared to enforce this principle.
