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Orange County Property Appraiser Bill Donegan wanted the park to pay almost $1 million in back taxes since 2001, when it opened. Donegan refused to give it a full tax exemption because he questioned the purpose of the museum.
"I think Holy Land itself is religious, but I'm not convinced that it serves a religious purpose like a church. I guess we're going to have to find out the definition of a church. When you charge $30 for admission, is that a church?" Donegan told the Associated Press.
Last year, an Orange County Circuit Court ruled that the entire park could not be taxed because it is used predominantly for religious purposes, but Donegan appealed the decision.
After Bush signed the bill June 16, Donegan backed off from the legal fight.
Visitors to the Holy Land Experience walk through a 15-acre walled city that depicts Israel during the life of Jesus. There are reproductions of historical sites and theatrical renditions of biblical events.
-- Religion News Service
German Court Bars Driving in Burqas
Germany's Federal Traffic Court has issued a ruling that prohibits people from operating a motor vehicle while wearing certain traditional Muslim clothing.
In a decision issued Wednesday, the court said garments such as burqas and chadors might inhibit a driver's ability to see and hear properly.
"When one wears a burqa, one's ability to drive is affected," said a court spokeswoman. The court added that the ban had been the de facto policy before the ruling.
Both garments cover a woman's entire body. The burqa includes a gauze screen or veil that obscures the face.
The ruling means that police throughout Germany will now be able to stop any person they see operating a vehicle while wearing garb considered to be dangerous to driving.
-- Religion News Service
