Good thing Noah didn't rely on these guys to build his ark in a timely manner.
Kentucky officials have rescinded a tax incentive for the Noah's Ark theme park developers. Saying the park will discriminate against LGBT people in employment decisions, they would violate state laws and therefore cannot receive
$18 million in tax incentives from the state of Kentucky.
"State tourism tax incentives cannot be used to fund religious indoctrination or otherwise be used to advance religion," Tourism Secretary Bob Stewart wrote in the letter. "The use of state incentives in this way violates the separation of church and state provisions of the Constitution and is therefore impermissible."
Unsurprisingly, developers say they will sue. Because, freedom or something, something. And despite deep financial issues that have prevented the project, they say they are prepared to move forward with
phase one in the near future.
Gov. Beshears said they are welcome to go forward:
Meanwhile, Gov. Steve Beshear issued a statement Wednesday reiterating concerns that project leaders plan to use religious beliefs as a "litmus test" for hiring. But he said Wednesday's decision does not prevent the park from being built.