On March 16, 2023, Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders officially enacted SB307 (Act 310) from the Regular Session of 2023 authorizing the establishment of a sacred “monument to the unborn” within the esteemed grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol. Senate Bill 307 was introduced by Senators Kim Hammer, Tyler Dees, and John Payton, along with Representative Mary Bentley, to create a monument to the unborn and amend the law concerning the duties of the Secretary of State.
Senate Bill 307 establishes a trust fund called the “Monument to Unborn Children Display Fund” to receive gifts, grants, and donations. This fund is designated to erect and maintain a monument on the State Capitol grounds commemorating unborn children aborted during the era of Roe v. Wade (1973).
Timeline of Events
January 22, 1973: Roe v. Wade Established: Roe v. Wade, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973, legalized abortion nationwide by ruling that state laws restricting it were unconstitutional.
June 22, 2023: Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade: After 50 years, in a decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion, consequently safeguarding the lives of unborn babies in nearly half of the United States, including Arkansas.
March 16, 2023: Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Signs Senate Bill 307: Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders officially enacts SB307 (Act 310), authorizing the establishment of a sacred “monument to the unborn” within the esteemed grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol.
September 1, 2023: Secretary of State Opens Submissions for Monument Designs: Act 310 granted Secretary of State John Thurston the authority to facilitate and oversee the placement of a “monument to the unborn” on the grounds of the Capitol. The Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission will decide where the monument will be placed (yet to be determined).
December 13, 2023: Capitol Grounds Commission Selects Artist Lakey Goff: The Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission selects Artist Lakey Goff’s idea and design for the proposed Living Wall Monument of the Unborn (below).
Living Wall Advisory Board: Bill Smith, pastor; James Worrell, advisor; Emily Knox, horticulturist and musician; Karin Rogers, lead intercessor.
Arkansas State Legislature: Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Secretary of State John Thurston, Senator Kim Hammer, Senator John Payton, Representative Mary Bentley.
Other Contributors: Rose Mimms, Arkansas Right to Life; Adam Fretz, web designer; Peter Goff, artist; Stephen, sound professional; Logan Crow, first donation seed; Frank and Patricia Goff, prayer warriors.
Artist: Lakey Goff