Vote AGAINST Arkansas Initiated Act 1

The Arkansas Family Council and its group of extremist Christian organizations is once again interjecting itself into the so-called culture war. As in the past, their goal is to demonize homosexuality but, if successful, the only effect would be to harm the children of the State of Arkansas.

The AFC is behind Initiated Act 1, the text of which can be viewed here, which would prohibit adoption and fostering by any couple cohabiting outside of marriage. Mind you, any single person (gay or straight) would still legally be permitted to adopt. So, what exactly is the point of this? As the Arkansas Times points out, what kind of sex policing will this require the state to do? What constitutes cohabiting and where is the line drawn?

The primary proponents of this measure are conservative Christian groups with no substance to their arguments other than Biblical pronouncements against homosexuality and premarital sex, etc. The opponents, on the other hand, are a powerful coalition of legislators, former members of the state judiciary, child advocacy groups and more moderate religious groups.

A group of retired judges recently signed a statement opposing the measure. The text of the statement is:

"By narrowing the qualifications required of people who seek to adopt children or to act as foster parents, proposed Initiated Act No. 1 would limit the ability of every Arkansas judge to choose custodial parents who would serve the best interests of vulnerable children. The choices available to neglected and abused children and to the judges who must find homes for them are already tragically limited by the children's circumstances. Instead of imposing a blanket rule that would apply to every case, the needs of these children, and the best means of satisfying their needs, should be left to elected judges to decide case-by-case. Any step, such as that proposed in Initiated Act. No. 1, to limit further the options for stable homes for these children would do them grave injustice. It is in the best interests of these children that Initiated Act. No. 1 be defeated."

That group of retired judges includes three former chief justices of the Supreme Court, three former associate justices, four former Court of Appeals judges and some former circuit and chancery judges. Let the judiciary use the power given to it to determine the best interest of the child and not arbitrarily cut out a significant number of perfectly suitable homes.

Some of the other groups fighting for the Act's defeat include the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, the Arkansas Association of Social Workers, the American Academy of Pediatricians - Arkansas Chapter and the Arkansas Psychological Association.

Far more information can be seen at the Arkansas Families First website. Early voting began a week ago and we only have 9 more days until election day. Whenever you vote, think about the children who will be harmed if Initiated Act 1 is approved. Vote AGAINST this measure.