The Family Equality Council (formerly Family Pride) is pushing against a campaign to ban LGBT people from adopting in the state of Arkansas.

The Family Council Action Committee recently launched a campaign to restrict prospective foster and adoptive parents to married, heterosexual couples, which comprise only 50% of all households in the state. The effort would take the form of a ballot initiative. Arkansas Families First, a statewide coalition of family and child welfare advocates, is fighting against the anti-gay initiative, “standing up against political opportunists for what’s in the best interest of children.”

“The Family Equality Council stands in unison with Arkansas Families First as they fight for the well-being of all children in their state. Extremist groups like the Family Council Action Committee are attempting to limit the number of prospective parents for children in need simply in order to push their narrow agendas and impose their values on all families,” said Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler. “Child welfare professionals know what’s best for children, not zealots, and child welfare professionals strongly oppose this ban. The Family Equality Council will support all those who oppose this mean-spirited and discriminatory ban and work to ensure that our fair-minded friends in Arkansas understand the impact this legislation could have on the children of Arkansas.”

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