Saturday, January 29, 2011

Mormon Polygamy on Trial : Summary and Media reports January 25 - 27

The BC Supreme court hearing on the constitutionality of Canada's anti-polygamy law is nearing the end of the evidence gathering phase. The earlier weeks were dominated by expert witness testimony. Witnesses from this past week are primarily residents of Bountiful BC who have chosen to speak out in favor of their life style. The wide range of media reports from these testimonies show how far the Bountiful FLDS culture is out of step with the wider North American society (15 yr old girls marrying 40+ yr old men, blatant disregard of immigration laws, etc. ) and they also show a wide range of reaction to these practices (from shocked disbelief to outright condemnation).

There is also an interesting counterpoint to the Bountiful example, as shown by Mary Batchelor and other independent Mormon Polygamists who choose to live in a more conventional and less isolated lifestyle.

Barbara Kay: The Stepford Wives of Bountiful B.C. | Full Comment | National Post

Bountiful woman said marriage of teen to her husband was 'revelation from God'

Polygamist’s wife testifies society’s bias ‘affects my everyday life’

CBC News - British Columbia - Plural wives recount marriages to older men

CBC News - British Columbia - Anti-polygamy law 'frightening,' wife says

First anonymous witness for FLDS testifies at polygamy hearing

The terrible choice: Child bride or plural wife?

Opinion: Child brides forced to make a marriage choice

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