Arkansas
Arkansas
Relationships
No. The state constitution prohibits marriage between same-sex couples. Amended in 2004 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 .
The state constitution prohibits marriage between same-sex couples. Amended in 2004 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 .
State statute prohibits marriage between same-sex couples. See Arkansas Code § 9-11-109.
Workplace
All government employees are protected by the U.S. Constitution against irrational discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, some measure of protection already exists under Title VII based on gender, which has been held to include gender identity and expression.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and several courts have interpreted Title VII to protect transgender employees, and the EEOC has interpreted Title VII to cover sexual orientation discrimination. The Supreme Court has held that the EEOC's interpretations of Title VII are entitled to "great deference."
Parenting
Any unmarried adult. Married persons must petition jointly unless excused by court. Ark. Stat. §9-9-204.
Not yet permitted.
Case law reveals hostility to gay parents. See Larson v. Larson, 902 S.W.2d 254 (App. 1995)
