Ark. Adoption Limits Unconstitutional

(CN) - An Arkansas law banning unmarried couples from adopting and fostering children is unconstitutional, an Arkansas court ruled.

Judge Christopher Piazza of the Pulaski County Circuit Court ruled that Arkansas Act 1 "did not serve the State's interest in determining what is in the best interest of the child."

The group of plaintiffs who launched the challenge to Arkansas Act 1 included:

- A grandmother who was barred from adopting her own grandchild;

- A lesbian couple who had fostered and adopted a special-needs child before Act 1 was passed and wanted to do so again; and

- Several married couples who sought to arrange for friends or relatives to adopt their children in the event that they die or become incapacitated.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit