Arkansas
Relationship Recognition Information
Statewide Relationship Recognition
| no |
Licenses marriages for same-sex couples. |
| no |
Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions. |
| no |
Relationship recognition for same-sex couples: None. |
- 2004 The state’s Constitution is amended to say, “Marriage consists only of the union of one man and one woman. Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas, except that the legislature may recognize a common law marriage from another state between a man and a woman. The legislature has the power to determine the capacity of persons to marry, subject to this amendment, and the legal rights, obligations, privileges, and immunities of marriage.” See Arkansas Constitution Amendment 83 § 1 .
- 1997 Arkansas prohibits marriage between same-sex couples by statute. See Arkansas Code § 9-11-109.
Employment Information
Statewide Employment Protections
| no |
Private employment protections based on sexual orientation. |
| no |
Private employment protections based on gender identity. |
| no |
Public (state) employment protections based on sexual orientation. |
| no |
Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity. |
Parenting Information
Statewide Parenting Laws
| Who May Adopt |
Any unmarried adult; married persons must petition jointly unless excused by court. Ark. Stat. §9-9-204. |
| Second Parent Adoptions |
Not yet permitted. |
| Notes |
Case law reveals hostility to gay parents. See Larson v. Larson, 902 S.W.2d 254 (App. 1995) |
Documents Related to Arkansas
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