Statement By The ACLU of Arkansas On Today’s Ruling That Cole v. Arkansas Can Proceed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

Statement by Rita Sklar, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas

Today the Circuit Court of Pulaski County denied the state’s motion to dismiss Cole v. Arkansas, our case challenging Act 1, which bans adoption or foster parenting by any person who is unmarried and lives with a partner.

At today’s hearing, the judge ruled from the bench that all of our plaintiffs have legal standing to participate in this case, and that our constitutional claims deserve to be heard out fully and fairly in court.

We’re grateful that our plaintiffs in this case – children and families who are directly impacted by Act 1 – will get to have their day in court on December 7.

For more information on the case, visit /lgbt/parenting/38199res20081230.html