Today, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a bill which mandates that a married straight couple be given priority consideration to children seeking adoptive parents and foster homes.
Tom Mann, board chairman for Equality Arizona, stated the following after the signing:
“The governor’s action today is harmful to children in foster care and group homes who are seeking a permanent home and the support of a loving, caring family,” Mann said. “SB 1188 takes the focus off of what’s in the best interest of a child when adoption decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis, according to what’s in a child’s best interest. Each case is unique. For example, adoption authorities may have the choice between placing a child with a beloved single aunt—or complete strangers. The only consideration should be determining what’s in the best interest of the child.”
In her first year in office, Brewer worked hard, and was successful n her efforts to repeal a policy that allowed LGBT couples who worked for the state to share certain benefits with their partners.