Prosecutors address polygamy issue in Utah meeting
 
Religion news in brief
Miami Herald
 
ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) - The attorneys general of Utah and Arizona told a two-state town hall meeting that they would not target polygamists solely for practicing plural marriage. Their remarks drew an angry reaction from polygamy opponents, who said the practice is criminal and the law should be enforced.

Still, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard said they would pursue criminal charges against those involved in forced or underage marriages, sexual abuse and welfare and tax fraud.

The March 3 meeting drew both polygamous families and those who oppose the practice. Some wore suits and ties, while others wore the pioneer-like dresses and elaborate braids common in the polygamous communities.

Polygamists contend they have a First Amendment right to practice plural marriage because it's part of their religion. They also claim they've been unfairly targeted by prosecutors because they're different.

Shurtleff rejected the claim. "It's never been about religion, but we certainly won't sit back and let people commit crimes," he said.

The meeting was about 50 miles from the twin towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz., which are dominated by the several-thousand-member Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - one of the largest polygamous sects.

Polygamy was once a tenet of the main Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but was abandoned in 1890. The Mormon church now forces out those who advocate polygamy. Still, it's believed that tens of thousands across the West continue to practice it.
 
miami.com
Originally published March 10, 2005
 
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