The lawsuit, filed February 5, 2015, by AiG and its affiliates, Crosswater Canyon and Ark Encounter, accused the states previous tourism secretary, Bob Stewart, and the former governor, Steve Beshear, of engaging in unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination by wrongfully excluding the plaintiffs from participation in the Development Program simply because of who the plaintiffs are, what they believe, and how they express their beliefs. These same officials previously granted approval and expressed enthusiastic support for the Noahs Ark theme park as an economic driver and job creator for the state, until secularist groups began to exert their vocal opposition. It is one of the worlds classic stories. The company is seeking to recoup what it says were $1 million worth of repairs, as well as attorneys fees and costs, and an unspecified amount of punitive damages. Heralding the Truth About the Ark Encounter - Answers in Genesis Noah's Ark attraction is damaged by RAIN - but insurers refuse to cover Just west of the intersection of KY-36 and I-75 (at exit 154). So before anyone makes fun of the ark encounter, remind them of these two facts. The 510-foot-long Ark Encounter itself, built in Williamstown in 2016, wasn't damaged in the heavy rains of 2017 and 2018 that are at the center of the lawsuit. The video, which includes Governor Beshears Ark comments (he left office last month), can also be viewed here: The video explains why every American should be concerned about overt government discrimination, regardless of their individual viewpoints, and why the freedom of religion must be vigorously defended. The irony has not been lost on local media organizations and observers on social media. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Ken Ham sues because his life-size Noah's Ark got rained on - PinkNews Your time in Cincinnati, one of the jewels of the Midwest, includes immersive experiences in the high-tech Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. But the insurance companies denied claims for the improvements, saying that the policy had an exclusion for correcting design deficiencies or faulty workmanship. place 1 Ark Encounter Drive Williamstown, KY 41097 (see directions) An attraction of Answers in Genesis 2022 Answers in Genesis. Ark Encounter in Kentucky: What to know about Noah's Ark replica The media across the country has picked up the story due to the nature of the lawsuit. Located 45 minutes from the Creation Museum in the beautiful Williamstown, Kentucky, the Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah's Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Over $90 million has been raised for land purchase, infrastructure, exhibit construction, plus the building of the parks centerpiece: a massive, full scale, 510-foot-long recreation of Noahs Ark. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence - Ark Encounter The skin is being applied as the keel is being built out. In the suit, filed in July, the school board. We, along with our attorneys, tried for many months to show these officials why their actions are blatantly violating our rights under the federal and state constitutions, as well as the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. The First Amendment does not allow Christian organizations to be treated like second-class citizens merely because of what they believe., Ham noted the AiG case was about more than just a tax rebate: We are standing up for all religious groups and churches that want to maintain their free exercise of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment when that freedom is challenged by the government, he said. The lawsuit says the road has been rebuilt. This historical theme park features a 510-foot-long replica of Noah's Ark as its centerpiece. The video also includes clips of a 2010 Ark Encounter press conference, at which Governor Beshear originally expressed his enthusiastic support for the Ark project. But the insurers said no. Ark Encounter LLC Files Lawsuit After Heavy Rains Damage Property If the attraction is approved for the rebate, then a portion of the sales tax generated within the facility itself will be refunded after 12 months of operation. All rights reserved. First, they wrongly claim that AiG's Creation Museum is failing, and thus its sister project, the Ark Encounter, will meet the same fate. The $120 million Ark Encounter, where adult tickets cost $48, was completed in 2016, with a zoo, zip lines, and a restaurant in addition to its five-story high replica ark. February 3, 2015 7:53 PM EST. Subscribe to Museum Emails. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Here we go again: Federal judge blocks Mississippis six-week abortion ban. The $120 million Ark Encounter, where adult tickets cost $48, was completed in 2016, with a zoo, zip lines, and a restaurant in addition to its five-story high replica ark. Naturally, they wanted their insurers to pay for it. It is a creationist Bible theme park affiliated with Ham's Answers In Genesis (AiG), but . At issue was the state defendants motion to dismiss the case, as well as a motion for preliminary injunction (which was granted today). The ark was not damaged. But the organization says they have breached their contractual obligations, acted in bad faith, and violated Kentucky law by failing to provide further coverage.. Adults (18-59): $49.95 Senior (60 & up): $39.95 Youth (11-17): $24.95 Children (5-10): Free with purchase of adult or senior ticket The video features Ham and Johnson of Freedom Guard, who is serving as co-counsel in the case pro bono with Nate Kellum, chief counsel of the Center for Religious Expression. Anti-Christian groups objected to AiGs statutory right to utilize a religious preference in its hiring practices (although such is expressly allowed by federal and state laws), and to the content of the messages that will be presented at the Bible-themed park. PDF United States District Court Eastern District of Kentucky Northern The ruling in favor of AiG will now prohibit the state from excluding the Ark Encounter and other applicants simply because they are religious in nature. Photos from the midterm elections across the U.S. Post reporters share what theyre watching on Election Day, The three voter groups that could decide the midterm elections. In his decision today, Judge Greg Van Tatenhove of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky also upheld AiGs right to religious preferences in its hiring. 'Ark Park' in violation of deal over $18 million in state tax breaks TheCourier Journalreports the attraction's insurance carriers refused to cover the damage, however. Review of Ark Encounter, Williamstown, KY - Tripadvisor .st1{fill:#EBEBEB;} Answers in Genesis (AiG), developer of the Ark Encounter theme park in Williamstown, Kentucky, filed a federal lawsuit today against Kentucky state officials for denying the park participation in the state's incentive program to receive a future sales tax rebate. Then, heavy rains begin to fall, inundating the earth around it. place 1 Ark Encounter Drive Williamstown, KY 41097 (see directions) Just west of the intersection of KY-36 and I-75 (at exit 154). Answers in Genesis (AiG), developer of the Ark Encounter theme park in Williamstown, Kentucky, filed a federal lawsuit today against Kentucky state officials for denying the park participation in the states incentive program to receive a future sales tax rebate. Ark Encounter expands tourist attraction, boasts of increased It amounts to unlawful viewpoint discrimination against our Christian faith., The suit specifically alleges that state officials discriminated against AiG and the Ark project by wrongfully excluding them from participation in the Kentucky Tourism Development Program. refresh the page and try again. Oral argument was held on July 1, 2015, before Judge Van Tatenhove. The AiG lawsuit was filed within hours of President Barack Obamas speech at the National Prayer Breakfast, in which he declared that America must constantly reaffirm that fundamental freedom: freedom of religion . The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in district court in Kentucky. Kotaku claim there are more than six former Trendy employees at Wildcard, but the others are not included in the filing. Please follow the instructions But those rain storms did wash out . We, along with our attorneys, tried for many months to show these officials why their actions were blatantly violating our rights under the federal and state constitutions, as well as the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. You're almost done! Meanwhile, excitement continues to build as construction on the $92 million first phase of the Ark Encounter, which is scheduled to open July 7, 2016 in Williamstown, Kentucky, is moving full speed ahead. Noah's Ark Encounter: Kentucky attraction sues insurance company over The judge has ordered the state to move forward in processing AiGs application for the available tax rebate incentives that would become effective after the Ark opens and is operating. Display results as threads Ark Tours | Exceptional Christian Travel Experiences - Inspiration Cruises 3. 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. Press Room | Creation Museum Williamstown, Ky. In the Bible, the ark survived an epic flood. The motion today seeks to override the blocking efforts of Gov. Editors note: This article was adapted from a news release that was recently distributed to the media. Religious Discrimination Lawsuit Filed Today by AiG/Ark Encounter The park, which is being built around a life-size recreation of Noahs Ark, is scheduled to open in Williamstown, Kentucky, in 2016. Freedom Guard and the Center for Religious Expression, both non-profit, public interest law firms, are providing their legal services at no charge to AiG. Ark Encounter - Kentucky Tourism - State of Kentucky .st1{fill:#EBEBEB;} Featuring: Ken Ham, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Hoppers, CT Townsend, Karen Peck & New River and The Sound. Ark Encounter owners sue over rain damage - The Courier-Journal Hours Now open 8:00am - 7:00pm Monday through Saturday and 1:00pm - 7:00pm on Sundays. Editors note: This article was adapted from a news release that was recently distributed to the media. Should, however, the putative intervenors wish to file a memorandum stating their position, their counsel is invited to brief the case as amicus c uriae. A gigantic ark is built with the help of a higher power, a symbolic refuge from the depravity of humankind. 2 laws of the State of Missouri, with its principal place of business located in Hebron, Kentucky. The federal court found that the Commonwealths exclusion of AiG from participating in the program for the reasons stated i.e., on the basis of AiGs religious beliefs, purpose, mission, message, or conduct, is a violation of AiGs rights under the First Amendment to the federal Constitution (p. 70). Ky. will not challenge Ark Encounter tax ruling - WCPO 3:2015cv00013 - Document 56 (E.D. Ark Encounter LLC Files Lawsuit After Heavy Rains Damage Property The park, which is being built around a life-size recreation of Noah's Ark, is scheduled to open in Williamstown, Kentucky, in 2016. According to the Courier Journal, in a 77-page lawsuit, Ark Encounter has asked for compensatory and punitive damages because its insurance provider refused to cover rain damage. Police found a burglary suspect hiding in a treehouse with a fire pit and barbecue. Williamstown, KY 41097 (see directions) The court has affirmed a longstanding principle that the Constitution does not permit a state to show hostility towards religion. The ark is the largest timber frame structure in the world. 1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, KY 41097-7504 Open today: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM umberto765 London, United Kingdom 1 211 A total failure Review of Ark Encounter Reviewed July 7, 2016 This was supposed to be a floating replica of Noah's boat. Even the American Atheists took a shot on Twitter. . Hours of operation were never affected.. The actual employee files of Wildcard muddy the waters somewhat. Terms of Service apply. The firm of Taft Stettinius & Hollister is also serving in the case as local counsel. (They did not fall for 40 days and 40 nights.). Lawsuit: Flood damage at Noah's Ark attraction in Kentucky The suit asserts that the state's action has violated a number of constitutional and statutory provisions under federal and state law. | Privacy Policy | Content Policy | Attraction Rules. 2019 The Associated Press. Steven Beshear and his tourism secretary and send the incentive application directly to a state tourism board (the Tourism Development Finance Authority), where the ultimate approval for a tax rebate is given. Victory for AiG/Ark Encounter in Federal Court Please The Ark Encounter says in a federal lawsuit that rains in 2017 and 2018 caused a landslide on its access road. Secondly, the ark wasn . The suit shows that Sec. THE ARK ENCOUNTER: Encountering the bigger than imagined life size Ark!Built to the exact dimensions given in the Bible, spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high. . The school board alleges that Ark Encounter has been undervalued by county officials and filed a lawsuit against losing an administrative appeal. [79] According to the lawsuit, an access road was damaged by heavy rains in 2017 and 2018, which caused a landslide. Ark Encounter - RationalWiki The irony of an ark replica . There is a limitless number of restaurants and shops in the . Factcheck: "Ark Encounter" Suffers Major Water Damage? - Pulpit & Pen News Ark Encounter sues insurance company for refusing to cover $1 million in heavy rain damage. An attraction of Answers in Genesis, 2022 Answers in Genesis. "You got to get to the boat to be on the boat," Ethridge told the Courier-Journal. The Ark Encounter says in a federal lawsuit that heavy rains in 2017 and 2018 caused a landslide on its access road. Please follow the instructions Contrary to a widely held myth, no taxpayer dollars are being used to construct the Ark, as the state tax rebate incentive at issue in the lawsuit is not made available for payment to a new tourist attraction until 12 months after its opening.
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