Gov. Doug Ducey backs same-sex Arizona couples’ wish to adopt

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said that any legally married couple, including same-sex, should be allowed to adopt or foster children.

In a statement released Wednesday night, Ducey said:

“I have made it abundantly clear since day one that my administration is unambiguously and unapologetically pro-adoption. With 17,000 children under the state’s care, we need more adoption in Arizona, not less.

That’s why I feel strongly — as I have said many times before — that all loving families should be able to serve as foster parents and adopt.

I also have said my administration will follow the law. Practices have been brought to my attention that do not match those priorities, therefore, I’m instructing the Arizona Department of Child Safety to immediately ensure that all legally married couples in Arizona are able to jointly serve as foster parents and adopt.

All children deserve a loving home, and under my watch, I’m committed to making sure government encourages that.”

The Department of Child Safety had allowed same-sex couples to be adoptive and
foster parents after court rulings allowed same-sex marriage in Arizona.

The department then halted giving licenses to same-sex parents.

A week ago, the American Civil Liberties Union was prepared to file a lawsuit against Maricopa County allowing shared child custody to same-sex couples.

Before that, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery had said he would not help same-sex stepparents with adoption unless compelled to do so by the courts or legislation.

The county attorney’s office said it had provided clarification on adoption because the U.S. Supreme Court was reviewing court rulings on same-sex marriage.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.