A new study out of the University of British Columbia documents how societies have systematically evolved away from polygamy because of the social problems it causes. Via “Is Polygamy Really So Awful?” / Slate
Posts under ‘USA Arizona-Utah’
Jeffs Loses Phone for 90 Days
Texas prison officials have found polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs guilty of “a major disciplinary infraction” following an investigation into whether he violated policy by — among other allegations — preaching a Christmas day sermon from prison, a state spokeswoman said Monday. Via Warren Jeffs guilty of ‘major disciplinary infraction’ for prison phone calls / [...]
FLDS meet, prepare but for what?
HILDALE — Concern is rising over a new burst of activity by followers of imprisoned polygamist leader Warren Jeffs. According to outside observers, there has been a flurry of church meetings almost daily, a set of mysterious construction projects and widespread re-baptism as thousands of followers react to apparent prophesies of doom from their imprisoned [...]
Judge OKs eviction threats
A Utah judge has approved a plan to use threats of eviction to wring $2.2 million in back taxes out of a polygamist sect on the Utah-Arizona border. Third District Judge Denise Lindberg last week ruled that a court-appointed accountant can threaten eviction to try to get residents of the border towns of Hildale, Utah, [...]
Jeffs’ followers hand over possessions
Though polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs is serving a life sentence in Texas for sexually assaulting two girls, he continues issuing directives to his followers. The new rules are considered particularly strict – even by sect members who’ve acquiesced to giving up reading the news and wearing the color red. Via Followers of polygamist Warren [...]
Polygamy Still a Stumbling Block for Mormons
SALT LAKE CITY – Polygamy still clings to the image of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — even though the Utah-based faith abandoned the practice more than a century ago. It was the No. 1 negative quality cited by 28 percent of respondents in a national Salt Lake Tribune poll who were [...]
Colorado City molester Henry Cooke gets 14 years
KINGMAN – A Colorado City man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for molesting his three daughters. Henry Cooke, 40, faced anywhere from 10 to 17 years in prison when sentenced by Judge Steven Conn last week after pleading guilty to child molestation and two counts of attempted child molestation as part of [...]
Group delighted with court decision
The members of the Bountiful Roundtable, an ad hoc committee consisting of representatives from concerned women’s groups and individuals, are extremely gratified to learn of the decision of Mr. Justice Bauman regarding the polygamy law, said co-chairs Maureen Johnston and Gwen Smith. via Anti-Polygamy Group Delighted With Ruling / 100 Mile House Free Press
Canadian polygamy laws upheld by court
B.C. Supreme Court has upheld Canada’s polygamy laws, but said minors who end up in polygamous marriages should be exempt from prosecution. In a 335-page decision released on Wednesday, Chief Justice Robert Bauman ruled in favour of the section of the Criminal Code outlawing polygamous unions. Via Canada’s polygamy laws upheld by B.C. Supreme Court [...]
“Sister Wives” case
The United States government may become a defendant in a reality-show family’s lawsuit challenging Utah’s law banning polygamy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renounced polygamy as a condition of statehood, required by the Utah Enabling Act of 1894. With that in mind, U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups has asked attorneys for the [...]
