Texas targets polygamists with age-of-consent bill

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.