ACLU Files Lawsuit against New Arkansas Parenting Ban

By Sophia Brink

Published on January 05, 2009

The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a complaint against the newly passed ban on unmarried couples adopting or fostering children in the state of Arkansas.

The Arkansas Adoption and Foster Care Act, also known as Act 1, was approved by nearly 57 percent of Arkansas voters on November 4 of this year.

The ACLU argues that Act 1 infringes upon the rights of citizens to equal protection and due process under the United States and the Arkansas state constitution.

Named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit are 29 adults and children. Among them, Sheila Cole is a grandmother who is trying to adopt her baby granddaughter, currently living in Arkansas state care. Because she resides with her same-sex partner, Cole fears that she may not be able to adopt the child.

Also included in the lawsuit are several married heterosexual couples whose friends or relatives are disqualified under Act 1 from adopting their children if they die.

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