Polygamist Judge Says He'll Give Up Job Rather Than Give Up Wives
 
ABC 4 News
Judge Walter Steed

(ABC 4 News) -- Wednesday, polygamy went on trial in an historic case before the state supreme court.

At issue, is whether a polygamist judge should remain on the bench. Walter Steed is a justice court judge in the Utah border town of Hildale and has been for the past 25 years.

N0w, the Utah Judicial Conduct Commission wants Steed removed from the bench ... essentially saying ... you can't rule on the law if you're breaking the law.

Walter Steed not only has a quarter century on the bench, but also three wives and 32 kids.

The issue before Utah's supreme court is this - Is bigamy a crime to be punished or a religious practice to be constitutionally protected?

This unique case is not only making headlines here in Utah, but around the country as well.

The Supreme Court has taken the case under advisement but must rule within the next 90 days. Until then, Judge Walter Steed remains on the bench and in a multiple marriage.

When asked if he had to choose between giving up his judgeship or two of his three wives, Steed said, that's easy -- he would give up his job.
 
abc4.com
Originally broadcast November 3, 2005
 
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