From Deseret News archives:

Texas targets polygamists with age-of-consent bill

Published: Friday, April 22, 2005 3:37 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Responding to a polygamous sect's move to West Texas, a state lawmaker has filed a bill that would raise the age of consent of marriage from 14 to 16, outlaw stepparents from marrying stepchildren and strengthen requirements to run for office.

Republican Rep. Harvey Hilderbran's bill is aimed at the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which has built a new complex just north of Eldorado. Members are forbidden access to outside media and cannot speak to nonmembers.

The bill is modeled on a Utah law that many believe caused polygamous groups to move to other states, Hilderbran said.

"We don't want them here unless they are going to comply with Texas law and comply with Texas values of protecting women and especially children," he said.

Rod Parker, a Utah attorney who has represented the group's reclusive prophet, Warren Jeffs, said "It's inappropriate to pass laws or use your position as a lawmaker to essentially try to drive someone out of town."

The sect's polygamy is an open secret in Utah. Civil lawsuits by former members have accused Jeffs of sexual misconduct and of assigning young girls as wives to older men. Authorities said they lacked sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Jeffs.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

pound it!! pound it!!! pound it! | 10:34 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009 I'm looking...

This is a very serious issue. I am glad to read that the Sheriff's office...

4 players sign with Utes

Jimmy-ball is for real. I believe in Coach Boylen - when he's through we'll...

Hmm. THAT didn't align as it showed when I posted it. I'll try again ...

This is evidence: Choosing to discriminate does not make you a protected...

'You are making the unfounded assumption that this is caused directly by a...

Celtics crush Jazz

This Boozer mess needs to be cleaned up, NOW.

WHO Stats - these are useful as general guidelines but they do not prove that...

The subsidies for so-called renewables average 100 times those for fossil and...

Celtics crush Jazz

Ladies and Gentilmen your Utah Jazz. Ha Ha He He Oh Oh Ho Ho he he ha...

Advertisements
Advertisement