Quick Note: Taxpayer Money--Christian Creationists Only Need Apply

A Bible theme park called the Ark Encounter is being built in Kentucky.  Owned by parent company Answers in Genesis, the park is scheduled to open in 2016 and will feature a 510 foot representation of Noah's Ark.  Ark Encounter is scheduled to receive $18 million in tax incentives from the state.

The park is now in danger of losing that money over its hiring practices. Ownership has said all employees will be required to sign a "statement of faith" swearing that they believe in creationism, that the biblical flood was real and that the earth is only 6,000 years old.   State officials have warned Ark Encounter's lawyers that their tax incentives will be rescinded if they continue with their discriminatory hiring practices.

What puts an extra twist to this story is that the park's executive president, Mike Zovath, told the media that if the state withdraws the incentives, they will be guilty of violating the organization's right to free speech under the First Amendment and that the parent company is prepared to sue the state in order to protect the $18 million Kentucky officials originally agreed to.

I notice that Answers in Genesis doesn't seem to have a problem taking money in from non-Christian taxpayers--they'll take it from anyone.  It's when the money is going out that they suddenly start waving the First Amendment banner around and insist on signed pledges of conservative Christian purity.

I can't imagine any court would side with the Ark's owners.  There is no constitutional guarantee of taxpayer money to fund a private business, and it is not unreasonable for the state that agrees to provide financial assistance to insist that all their citizens have the opportunity to gain from that aid. 

As one reporter wrote, If Answers in Genesis "has a problem with that policy, it doesn't have to take Kentucky's $18 million and it can build the ark itself.  Really, it should have been that way all along."

I agree.  If I'm not good enough to work for you, then my tax money shouldn't be helping you build your business.   

Free speech is not a one-way street.