Harry Lime
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 Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2003 10:43 am Post subject: Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamists Hold 'Summit' |
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http://tv.ksl.com/index.php?nid=5&sid=44935
courtesy of http://harrylime.biz (18 and older, adult content)
Many of those involved in last week's surprisingly overcrowded polygamy
summit are calling it a "historic turning point". In spite of sharp
divisions, various factions seem to agree on a general blueprint for
government action. However, a parallel effort long ago in Salt Lake City
didn't turn out so well.
The polygamists who jammed last week's summit demanded freedom to live their
religion. Anti-polygamy crusaders demanded a legal crackdown. But Attorney
General Mark Shurtleff says there was a surprising amount of agreement.
Mark Shurtleff, Utah Attorney General: "We have the same goal, at least, in
this. And that is to protect children and women who are being victimized."
The result is a suggested action plan for the polygamist border town of
Colorado City, Arizona and Hildale, Utah. Law enforcement will not target
bigamy but it will target welfare abuse and sex abuse, particularly of child
brides.
The state no longer recognizes the legal authority of the local police force
controlled by polygamists. The Washington County Sheriff will likely
establish a sheriff substation right in town.
Mark Shurtleff, Utah Attorney General: "The county sheriff has a duty to be
there and be present and protect those people."
And there's a proposed safety net for women and children trying to flee the
polygamy cult. A hotline for victims, a legal protocol for handling
runaways, a shelter for refugees.
Mark Shurtleff, Utah Attorney General: "Those who have come out without any
type of safety net, they're telling us that, yes, there are large numbers
that will come out. "
Rod Parker, Attorney for F.L.D.S. Church: "I think the need for that is
vastly overstated."
Attorney Rod Parker represents the polygamist church that controls much of
the town.
Rod Parker, Attorney fro F.L.D.S. Church: "There's nothing about the culture
that's preventing people from making a decision to leave if they want to.
People do that all the time."
That disagreement is an interesting echo of a fascinating piece of Utah
history. In the 1880's anti-polygamy crusaders picked a spot on 5th east in
Salt Lake City and created a refuge for people fleeing the evils of
polygamy. With federal funds, they built the massive Industrial Christian
Home. But so few refugees showed up, the home was shut down less than five
years later.
Rod Parker, Attorney fro F.L.D.S. Church: "That was the message at the
summit; the women don't want to be rescued!"
State officials believe the need IS there, and it may be the key to putting
abusers in jail as refugees are potential witnesses.
State officials have also begun looking into the legality of the home
education program that involves most of the town's children.
--
"In the depths of my heart, I can't help
being convinced that my fellow men, with
a few exceptions, are worthless."
- Sigmund Freud |
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