Act One passed last year, but on Thursday, University of Arkansas law students were discussing the validity of its restrictions on adoption.

Basically, the law allows married couples and singles to adopt.

Couples who live together but are not married cannot.

Proponents of Act One think it's in the in best interest of the child to be in a home with single parents or married couples.

But Chris Burks doesn't see it that way.

"Arkansas is in the minority of states that punishes kids like this. I was sad to be an Arkansan when I saw how many people voted for a law that is so harmful for children," he said.

One key issue under debate is whether this law discriminates against homosexuals. While single people can adopt despite their sexual preference, the ban on same-sex marriage leaves same-sex couples permanently out of the loop.

But Allison Waldrip, another law student, thinks Act One provides options instead of eliminating them.

"There are certain ways around this. If a couple truly wants to give a child a home, the Act would require them not to live together at the time, which is certainly an option if they are concerned about that. So, it's not extremely prohibitive," Waldrip said.

Research shows kids in homes with two adults do better, and it's unclear to one law student, Seth Jewell, what the reasoning is behind splitting up couples instead of having two parents in the home.

"I don't know the reasoning behind that," Jewell said.

Chris Burks sees the Act as keeping people who would adopt from being able to provide homes to kids who desperately need them.

"We have so many kids that are in foster homes that want to be adopted. There's a huge wait-list, and kids move from house, to house, to house. They live out of trash sacks. And we have people who want to adopt them, but they can't because of this act, and it punishes the kids," Burks said.

If you are interested in learning more about adopting children in Arkansas, click here.