The Associated Press reports that Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Bill Halter supports banning homosexuals from serving as foster parents.
His Republican opponent, Jim Holt, today accused Halter of ducking the issue and challenged Halter to respond. Of course, Holt also is in favor of a gay foster parent ban.
“This controversy is very much a political issue,” Holt said, “This issue will determine what happens to numerous children who have in most cases already experienced deep pain … Halter’s position will reflect his philosophy on other important issues related to this topic.” …
Halter on Tuesday said he had talked with legislators who indicated they would pass such a ban during the regular legislative session next year.
“I would support this type of legislation if, after thorough research and deliberation, it is found to be constitutional and in the best interests of Arkansas’ foster children,” Halter said.
Halter last month said he was unsure if the state should reimpose the ban and said he wanted to study the ruling further.
“I’d like to not have people try to use this for any sort of political gain and let’s get some more data and get the studies that we need,” Halter said. “Let’s make sure that we have people work well together in the future to come up with a response legislatively.”
Halter’s campaign spokesman Bud Jackson accused Holt of doing little during his time in the Senate to help the state’s foster children. Jackson described Holt’s legislative record as “lackluster” and focused on several of his votes, including his opposition to increasing the minimum wage.
“Jim Holt has demonstrated that he is willing to use Arkansas’ most vulnerable children as a political football to advance his own political career,” Jackson said.