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Polygamists Push to Legalize Marriages

Some 40,000 live in polygamous families in Utah

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 23, 2009 3:58 AM CDT

(Newser) – As many as 40,000 people live in polygamous families in Utah and parents are stepping up efforts to make plural marriages legal, reports the BBC. The lobbying organization Principle Voices is pressing for state law changes. Authorities rarely crack down on polygamous families unless they're linked to child brides or sex assaults because there are too many to prosecute, according to officials. The lifestyle has recently been popularized in the HBO series Big Love.

"I see myself as a free man in a free society," said one polygamist, who recently attended a conference to hear about the issue from state politicians. One lawmaker praised polygamists' values. "I'm not being soft on them," he said. "But I don't have the resources to throw them all in jail. I hope they now work through the process of changing the law if they disagree with it."

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Several thousand polygamy supporters demonstrate in support of plural marriages last year in St. George, Utah. (Getty Images)

The Mormon church banned polygamy in 1890, but many faithful are in plural marriages. (Getty Images)

A Mormon family demonstrate the faith's tendency toward polygamy, circa 1890. (Getty Images)

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The Brown family from Utah speak about their life in polygamy. (Bonratay)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 9 comments

Doctor-Zaius

Mar 24, 2009 6:11 AM CDT

Were not killing them. Just marrying them.

Thinker

Mar 23, 2009 12:15 PM CDT

Mormons are the biggest hypocrites in the country. The fought to restrict the rights of gays to marry by giving money to Prop 8, but now they expect consideration to marry??? I'm disgusted with them. I say NO to them, until everyone can marry freely. How dare they?

Doctor-Zaius

Mar 23, 2009 11:04 AM CDT

I don't have a problem with this. If it's what people want and everyone is an adult and willing. Multiple husbands or wives or any combination. Who cares what other people do and how does that impact people who are not involved.

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US • Crime & Courts • Politics

marriage • religion • polygamy • Utah • Mormon • Mormonism • Warren Jeffs • forced marriage

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Polygamists Push to Legalize Marriages