Arkansas
The following is an overview of the laws of the state of Arkansas. It should not be used as legal advice and is provided as information only. Family Fairness does not warrant that this information is current or comprehensive.
Updated: 02/27/2009
Same-Sex Relationships
| Performs Same-Sex Marriages "It shall be declared the public policy of the state of Arkansas to recognize the martial union only of man and woman. No license shall be issued to persons to marry another person of the same sex and no same-sex marriage shall be recognized as entitled to the benefits of marriage." |
No |
| Recognizes Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriage "Any marriage entered into by persons of the same sex, where a marriage license is issued by another state or by a foreign jurisdiction, shall be void in Arkansas and any contractual or other rights granted by virtue of that license, including its termination, shall be unenforceable in the Arkansas courts." |
No |
| Other Recognition: None "Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas" |
No |
Gay and Lesbian Adoption
| Single LGBT Adoption The law permits any unmarried adult to petition to adopt. ARK. CODE ANN. § 9-9-204 |
Yes |
| Joint Same-Sex Adoption "A minor may not be adopted or placed in a foster home if the individual seeking to adopt or to serve as a foster parent is cohabiting with a sexual partner outside of a marriage." |
No |
| Gay or lesbian adoption of a partner's child "A minor may not be adopted or placed in a foster home if the individual seeking to adopt or to serve as a foster parent is cohabiting with a sexual partner outside of a marriage." |
No |
Housing Discrimination
| Protections on the basis of sexual orientation | No |
| Protections on the basis of gender identity | No |
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