WILLIAMSTOWN, Ky. -- Dozens of protesters gathered for a rally nearby as the Ark Encounter in Northern Kentucky celebrated its two-year anniversary Saturday.
The rally was organized by the Tri-State Freethinkers. One of the leaders of that group said they are taking a stand for science literacy.
"They're telling people the earth is 6,000 years old, that the Grand Canyon was formed in 40 days. This is nonsense,” said Jim Helton, co-founder of the group. “This goes against basic science. And they're lying to the children and to the people around here about science, and that is dangerous and immoral."
The demonstrators say they're also upset that the Noah's Ark-themed attraction receives state and local tax incentives and required employees to sign a statement of faith. Those issues were the subject of a federal case in 2016, which the Ark Encounter won.
WCPO reached out to the Ark Encounter for a response to the Freethinkers' viewpoints; we're waiting to hear back.
