From Deseret News archives:
FLDS backers demonstrate before Jazz game
That was the chant from about 60 people outside EnergySolutions Arena Thursday evening, protesting the treatment of Fundamentalist LDS Church members by Texas officials.
On a day when Texas Child Protective Services moved another 63 FLDS children into foster-care facilities, the protesters likened the situation in Eldorado to the civil-rights abuses of the 1960s and even the Holocaust.
"It's right along those lines," said Ethan Tucker, a Salt Lake man holding a sign that asked, "Is this America?"
Protesters waved signs that overlaid swastikas on the Texas flag and accused the state of stomping out "religious freedom."
As the Utah Jazz prepared to take on the Houston Rockets in the NBA playoffs, protesters said the venue was a fitting place to raise awareness of the situation in Eldorado, and some even demanded the game be canceled in a show of solidarity.
But as fans filed into the arena, many seemed unimpressed with the message.
"Give the kids to the court," one woman shouted at the protesters.
Breeze, who used to work juvenile cases as an attorney, said he has "seen the tyranny" of the Department of Child and Family Services. "They have the power to destroy lives."
Tucker, who said his wife came from an FLDS family, said he believes the accusations of abuse within the FLDS ranch are a ruse used to attack the religion.
"I'm a supporter of people being able to do what they think is right," Tucker said.
Bonnie Whitmill, of Salt Lake City, circulated a petition among the protesters demanding Texas return the children to their parents.
"They don't have any proof of abuse," she said. "The phone call (that led to the search warrant) was a hoax."
Another protest is being planned for Saturday evening outside EnergySolutions Arena before the Jazz game.
E-mail: afalk@desnews.com
Recent comments
i think these protesters are right, they have something to protest...
trends1986 | April 29, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.
Good for the protest
Anonymous | April 29, 2008 at 7:57 a.m.
Audacity!! What incredible audacity!! I wish I was at the Jazz game...
russ | April 25, 2008 at 8:03 p.m.
- McPherson leads at LPGA 10:07 p.m.
- Hall, Johnson matchup key 10:05 p.m.
- 92 dead in China mining disaster 10:03 p.m.
- Iran begins war games 10:03 p.m.
- Iran begins war games 10:02 p.m.
- Return to status quo in Honduras 9:58 p.m.
- UK rainfall wreaks havoc 9:57 p.m.
- World datelines 9:57 p.m.
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks 9:56 p.m.
- McNabb, Eagles beat Bears 9:53 p.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Wendover airfield's legacy lost?
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
201 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
184 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - BYU records with win
128 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
125 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93 - Huntsman pleased with Obama
87
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
Way to go RSL! Thanks Deseret News for commenting accurately about RSL's...
FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE TITLE!!!! Small step in the MLS, GIANT STEP FOR UTAH!
is it really necessary to make fun of a sport you're not interested in? is...
I'm not for the bill as it stands, but I'll vote to move it along knowing...
pro team to win a title here. Stars, Golden Eagles, Grizzlies, Trappers and...
for the next mls cup they should get more argentinas and brasilians players...
Does anyone know if and where they will have a parade?
Nice job guys, way to perform when it counts and not fold like little babies...
Finally the light shines on Utah. Atleast we weren't stuck with a "THUG"(nba)...
Yay for XANGO!


