Arkansas ACLU
Sues Over Adoption Ban

More than a dozen Arkansas families filed suit Tuesday challenging the state's law barring unmarried couples living together from becoming foster and 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. The ban was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November's general election.

"Act 1 violates the state's legal duty to place the best interest of children above all else," Marie-Bernarde Miller, a Little Rock attorney in the lawsuit, told the Associated Press.

The group filed the suit on behalf of 29 adults and children from more than a dozen families. The families claim the act's language was confusing and voters were therefore misled.

The Arkansas Family Council, a group that campaigned heavily for the ban, admitted to targeting gay couples but said it will affect both gay and straight people.

Jerry Cox, 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 does not affect any adoptions that were approved before this ban takes effect. (Advocate.com)