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June 08, 2005
Creationism at the Oklahoma Zoo
Here is the heart of the story as reported on KOKI, the Tulsa Fox affiliate.
The Tulsa Park and Recreation Board voted 3-to-1 to display the exhibit on creationism despite opposition from zoo employees, religious leaders and others who say it should not be part of a publicly funded scientific institution. Supporters of the exhibit include Mayor Bill LaFortune who say the Tulsa Zoo already has cultural displays such as an elephant statue with Hindu significance. The exhibit will include a disclaimer saying the display is one example of one widely held view of the origins of Earth.
The Tulsa World also has the story but they wanted $7.00 to read it. The reference to Ganesha or the disclaimer doesn't give me the harm fuzzies. This will go to court and the display will come down. And once again, the courts will be vilified for doing their job.
Via Pharyngula who managed to steal the best headline, "Oklahoma is not OK." PZ got it from Red State Rabble.
Update:
Raw Story has a few more details. Red State Rabble may be correct that they plan to have other creation stories alongside the Biblical account.
Following the advice of the city attorneys, it must include a disclaimer that says the display is an example of one widely held view of origins. To prevent violating the First Amendment it should be placed in context alongside other cultures' creation stories [emphasis added].
This might get them clear of the First Amendment but I doubt that having such additional displays are really being planned. My guess is that they are setting the stage for the court action that is on the way. It just might work.
Posted by DuaneSmith at June 8, 2005 07:56 AM | Read more on Evolution |
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Damn conservative Christians are at it again.
In Oklahoma (from KOKI Fox 23 website):
The Tulsa Zoo will display the biblical version of the Earth's creation in an exhibit at the zoo. The Tulsa Park and Recreation Board voted 3-to-1 to disp... [Read More]
Tracked on June 8, 2005 08:46 AM
» Oklahoma is not OK from Pharyngula
Red State Rabble reports:
Following a vote by the Tulsa, Okla. Parks Board yesterday, the Tulsa Zoo will install an exhibit chronicling the biblical account of creation. Red State Rabble is trying to get additional information on this story—it m... [Read More]
Tracked on June 8, 2005 10:59 AM