- Mar 18, 2014
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SALT LAKE CITY – Polygamists have lived in Utah since before it became a state. Eighty-five years after plural marriage was declared a felony, they still number in the thousands and have even been featured in the long-running reality TV show, “Sister Wives.”
Now, a state lawmaker says it’s time to remove the threat of jail time for otherwise law-abiding polygamists.
“The law is a failure. It hasn’t stopped polygamy at all and it’s actually enabled abuse to occur and remain unchecked,” said Sen. Deidre Henderson, a Republican. Her proposal to make bigamy an infraction rather than a felony has gathered significant support. It was unanimously approved by a legislative panel Monday, despite resistance from former members of polygamous groups who said it could embolden abusers.
The estimated 30,000 people living in Utah’s polygamous communities believe plural marriage brings exaltation in heaven – a legacy of the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mainstream faith abandoned the practice in 1890 under pressure from the U.S. government and now strictly forbids it.
In Utah:Mormon doctrine leaves potential for 'eternal polygamy'
Unlike other states, Utah outlaws living with a second “spiritual spouse” even if the man is legally married to just one woman.
More at the link: Polygamy: Utah's proposed law could end threat of jail time for many
Now, a state lawmaker says it’s time to remove the threat of jail time for otherwise law-abiding polygamists.
“The law is a failure. It hasn’t stopped polygamy at all and it’s actually enabled abuse to occur and remain unchecked,” said Sen. Deidre Henderson, a Republican. Her proposal to make bigamy an infraction rather than a felony has gathered significant support. It was unanimously approved by a legislative panel Monday, despite resistance from former members of polygamous groups who said it could embolden abusers.
The estimated 30,000 people living in Utah’s polygamous communities believe plural marriage brings exaltation in heaven – a legacy of the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mainstream faith abandoned the practice in 1890 under pressure from the U.S. government and now strictly forbids it.
In Utah:Mormon doctrine leaves potential for 'eternal polygamy'
Unlike other states, Utah outlaws living with a second “spiritual spouse” even if the man is legally married to just one woman.
More at the link: Polygamy: Utah's proposed law could end threat of jail time for many