Reader comments
Texas judge refuses to sign order to return FLDS children

The court is obviously wrong on this ruling. We have proof that some of the children between 13 an 17 have been or are pregnant. That is rape in anybodies definition. The government should not be allowed to interfere with religious practices unless those practices are in clear violation of the law and this sect is in clear violation.

This judge is going to destroy this case - and her actions are going to make it impossible to prosecute the guilty. I'm betting Monday morning, the mothers will be in Austin - and they'll get their ruling with no restrictions all thanks to Judge Walthers.

Not all families are the same - they should be treated individually - the appeals court already found that and this judge has an obligation to follow their ruling.

The parents of the girl in the picture kissing Jeffs should have greater restrictions than say that nice two parent EMT trained family.

A 17 year old boy probably doesn't need a medical exam, but instead would need his educational needs monitored. A 12 year-old girl may need to meet with an offsite CPS worker-but maybe not a infant.

What if they want to leave FLDS and go live with family in Utah? Why can't they do that?

This is abuse of power.

No evidence, just suppositions and prejudice.

Depriving people of liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, is plainly unconstitutional.

The parents should sue the judge and the authorities, for damages.

Also, the way the authorities approached the community with tanks, heavy weapons, and trigger ready people clearly put the kids in danger of harm, but they don't see that.

Blind people following the dark visions of their own delusional ideas of grandeur.

chuck you are assuming facts not in evidence. Please don't believe everything CPS says.

I say take Judge Walthers into custody for contempt of court. She obviously has her own agenda and refuses to believe what she has done was not warranted. Even after 2 separate courts have ruled otherwise. She still wants to treat the families as if they are in danger even though they are NOT! Throw her in jail and get a judge to oversee the case which doesn't care what religion these people practice as long as no law is being broken.

Than You Your Honor

The Supreme Court let the Appeals Court decision stand. The Appeals Court said quite clearly that if Judge Walther didn't vacate her decision within 10 days, it was automatically vacated. To me, that means all the FLDS parents must do is wait 10 days, then drive to pick up the children wherever they are.

If the CPS wants to conduct an investigation and put restrictions on the parents, then they must follow the law in individual cases separate and apart from the matter of the children's immediate return.

Am I correct?

If there are children in danger, then conduct the investigation normally. Use the tools provided by the laws of Texas. It is as if the CPS and Judge Walther don't believe in the law. CPS and the Judge don't seem to believe the rule-of-law is the best course of action. Judge Walther wears the garments of the law, but has the expedient heart of a criminal.

The Texas Supreme Court did allow Walther to place restrictions on the families while Child Protective Services continues an abuse investigation. Walther told attorneys to work on an agreement and get it signed by the 38 mothers who appealed... specific addresses for everyone in a household, unlimited access to the YFZ Ranch for caseworkers, the ability to remove children for interviews and order psychological and medical tests, and to not allow anyone in the custody case from leaving Texas while the investigation is ongoing.
Considering the seriousness of identifying underaged mothers and their abusers, Judge Walthers requests are reasonable.

The abusers are CPS and Judge Walther, they are the folks that should be monitored!

it is clear now why this case has become what it has. this judge is on a witch hunt. they have no evidence. the two courts of appeal stated that. the flds need to get serious with civil action.

It is so revealing how tv broadcasters and everyone else outside that camp are saying it is all happening to protect the kids and not destroy a religion. And this is happening while NY is putting together an agreement on same sex marriage. Our entire culture is deeply invested in Plural marriage. They are just doing it serially.

Please sombody show me the abused children in that compound. Where are they? Rush to judgement.

Another black eye for Texas. First Waco, now this. I am NOT a sympathizer with the FLDS. I do not agree with their choice of religion or lifestyle. I believe it is sick to have old men marry young girls. Having said that But Chuck, you are dead wrong. If there are laws broken, then they are bound by law to investigate CASE BY CASE. They can't round up a whole "neighborhood" or "congregation" because they suspect something. Remember the initial call came from a verified insane woman from Colorado and it was completely contrived. This whole trial has been wrong from the beginning. If DCFS had done it right and done a true investigation case by case they wouldn't have been shot down by two higher courts. Shame on Texas. Shame on this Rogue Judge who's pride won't let her follow a higher court order. We are still in America and we still believe in freedom, right? If we wanted Socialist Government Tyranny there are a myriad of countries you could move to if you like this kind of treatment in all aspects of your life.

God Help America. She is Hurting.

I stand shocked beyond words as I read these stories each day about what CPS and their puppit courts are doing and continue to try to do in Texas. It sure isnt the same United Stats I grew up in. And then people ask me why i moved to Southeast Asia. I'd say that at least one of the reasons is plain to see. God help America before its too late!!!

Walther is drunk with power. What a poor isgrace to Texas!

It�s obvious that CPS found the right judge when the original raid was ordered. This judge needs a choke collar.

Lets not forget that if the FLDS did not have this practice of underage marriage that we would't be going through all of this. THEY MUST STOP THIS PRACTICE

Could the judge be concerned about the civil suits and maneuvering in an attempt to avoid them?

Porter Rockwell

Judge Walther is wrapped up in the power and control she has and is unwilling to let go. She can't seem to admit she was wrong--pride & power are dangerous characteristics.

One person commented a few days ago, that once the state gets control of the children, the parents would have a hard time getting the them returned. That seems to be true here. Control is the issue.

This case will just roll on and on. Get yourselves some liquid and solids and enjoy the show.

There will be more twists and turns... with the outcomes ...

The FLDS may not believe in law suits but they need to work with the ACLU on this. And we all need get involved with the ACLU. There is a reason that the ACLU organization exists. As far as I can see they try to watch out for hate groups taking over society and breaking the rights of our constitution. We are all different, we don't all believe or live the same as the other but we have a right to live as we may as long as we don't break the law and hurt someone else. One or two FLDS books on the market should not be enough to cause such a horrific reaction. There has to be more proof. Proof, proof, proof. Some of the people that write in the comments on these articles sound like they are suffering from hysterical anxiety disorders. Really.