Jan Brewer, the governor of Arizona, signed a bill enabling married heterosexual couples to have priority consideration when adoption agencies are placing children for up adoption or foster care.
Despite receiving over 500 pieces of mail from Equality Arizona supporters asking her to veto the bill, Brewer to the action to sign the bill on Monday. The board chairman for Equality Arizona, Tom Mann, criticized the Brewer's actions in a statement.
"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."
The bill is under the radar among domestic adoption agencies in Arizona and throughout the southwest. Many gay rights activists are siding with Equality Arizona, adding even more heat to the debate.
