ECM now runs two projects that promote creationism and speak out against evolution.

Critics object in part because they say the book includes sections promoting creationism.

As it turns out, the book was originally a work of Christian apologetics, and it explicitly promoted creationism.

Critics claimed that this was a thinly veiled attempt to promote creationism, particularly in light of Edwards v. Aguillard.

It was not its intention, the policy continued, to restrict the teaching of evolution, nor to promote creationism.

But some parents said the disclaimer and talk of balance and objectivity were simply code words for promoting creationism.

These facilities generally promote Biblically-literalist creationism and contest evolutionary science, which has led to heavy criticism from the scientific community.

Bird later authored books promoting creationism and teaching it in public schools.

McIntosh is director of the organisation Truth in Science which promotes creationism and intelligent design.

Critics say they seek to promote creationism, or the doctrine of "intelligent design", as a scientific theory rather than as a myth or metaphor.