ACLU sues to block Arkansas same-sex adoption law

More than a dozen families filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging a new Arkansas law banning unmarried couples living together from becoming foster or adoptive parents. The Arkansas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit on behalf of the families in Pulaski County Circuit Court seeking to overturn Act 1, which was approved by voters by over 56% in last month's general election.

The group filed the lawsuit on behalf of 29 adults and children who claim that the act's language was misleading to voters and that it violates their constitutional rights. The lawsuit was filed against the state of Arkansas, the attorney general, the Arkansas Department of Human Services and its director, and the Child Welfare Agency Review Board and its chairman.

Jerry Cox of the Arkansas Family Council, a conservative group that campaigned for the ban, said the council's president, said he had expected a lawsuit to be filed if the measure passed. "We are confident this lawsuit will fail and Act 1 will remain on the books," Cox said. The law will affect heterosexuals and homosexuals equally.

---

Tags: ACLU, adoption, Arkansas, Arkansas Family Council, gay activist To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!