Arkansas Fights to Enter the 21st Century
January 13, 2006: People in Arkansas are fighting that state’s ridiculous ban on allowing lesbians and gay men to foster. This is from 365.Gay.com
The Arkansas Supreme Court has agreed to hear from organizations supporting a suit to overturn the state ban on gays and lesbians serving as foster parents.
The ban on gay fostering was imposed by the state Child Welfare Agency Review Board in March 1999. The board said it was an effort to protect children from disease, violence, sexual abuse, neglect and instability.
It not only blocks gays and lesbians from serving as foster parents but also prevents anyone who may have someone who is gay living with them from fostering.
Four couples, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union went to court to fight the ban. The Board was represented by the Attorney General’s office.
At trial, the state’s chief witness was Dr. George A. Rekers, a founder of the conservative Family Research Council.
Rekers has a history of anti-gay views, relying on the research of Paul Cameron, whose work has been discredited by psychiatric professional groups. Rekers also practices so-called “conversion therapy” which claims to “cure” gay people.
It’s completely unbelievable to me that in 2006 we even have to argue people who claim that LGBT parents would expose kids to ” disease, violence, sexual abuse, neglect and instability.” It sounds like a litany from a publication circa the 1800’s. It’s especially absurd when you consider the kinds of homes these kids come from that cause them to wind them up in foster care.
As a foster parent myself, this is just incredibly offensive. Hopefully, the Arkansas Supreme Court is not insane, and they will overturn this Draconian ban that hurts children.