A federal judge in Utah has ruled that the state’s law banning polygamy is unconstitutional. If the ruling is upheld on appeal–and how could it not be?–that would have a big impact not only on radical Mormons but on American Muslims. And, of course, anyone else who might like to try that lifestyle. (Think there would be many takers?)
From Polygamy effectively decriminalized in Utah as judge strikes down ban in victory for family that appears in TV show ‘Sister Wives’ | Mail Online:
A judge has ruled that parts of Utah’s law banning polygamy are unconstitutional, effectively decriminalizing the practice, in a victory for the family that appears in the reality TV show ‘Sister Wives’.
Kody Brown, who stars in the TLC reality show with his four wives, filed a lawsuit against the state after leaving Utah fearing prosecution after the programme aired.
Now a federal judge has issued his final ruling in the case that strikes down parts of the state’s anti-polygamy law.
U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups has ruled that a provision of Utah’s law forbidding cohabitation violated the Browns’ freedom of religion. . . .
The Emmy-nominated series had brought Mr Brown and his wives Meri, Janelle, Christine and Robyn to the attention of the authorities in their home town of Lehi, and police were considering a bigamy charge. . . .
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said in February [when the preliminary ruling was made] he intended to appeal the ruling once it was made final.
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