by Nunya Carley

Created on: April 19, 2008   Last Updated: August 02, 2011

Polygamy is illegal. If you keep a clean house, grow your own vegetables or make your own cheeses, it's still illegal. The children can look like angels sent from above, but if you are teaching them the ways of polygamy, it should very well be considered endangering the welfare of a child - at the minimum.

We are hearing a lot of mixed information coming out of Texas, involving the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). One thing is for sure, District Judge Barbara Walther will have a difficult job to do and decision to make, and so will any other judges who get involved. One can only hope that while these esteemed judges evaluate the proceedings, they will look on with the eyes of an American citizen, not of a parent - which will be difficult.

I read that one of the attorneys asked in court, "How would an underage marriage affect a 4-year-old?"

The answer is quite simple, and all of us know it in our hearts, no matter the stance we take in this debate. It is illegal to have sex with a minor. We keep hearing it, but the statement in itself doesn't touch the surface of what has been going on in this compound-style town.

These mothers who we see in court may look wholesome and innocent in their old country dresses, but it seems they have been taking part in activities similar to a sex trade, or sex slave ring. They teach their young children to obey, and never go against the word of the prophet. They must do what is told of them, or they will be punished physically or with the threat of abandonment.

Girls can be married at age 13, and then reassigned to another husband if the prophet wills it. This, to me, seems like a fancy way of legalizing sex with a minor. Unfortunately, they believe their way IS the way, and will never truly succumb to the westernized government and laws that rule against sexual crimes and polygamy.

So, to return to the question of one over-priced lawyer that will use any excuse or reasoning to get their way in court or just delay the issue, "How would an underage marriage affect a 4-year-old?"

The children are being raised in an environment that partakes in several illegal activities. They are being raised with the intention of becoming one of two things - a victim or a pedophile.

We seem to be forgetting that although their ways are not that of a typical American, we ARE in America. So while the lawyers are arguing civil liberties on behalf of the mothers, we must remember that the civil liberties of the children should be respected just as much - IF NOT MORE.

It is a shame that this sect was given too much time and freedom to brainwash hundreds of men and women, and I am overjoyed that Child Protective Service investigators seem to be doing a thorough job. Unfortunately, these wholesome-appearing mothers do not seem capable of doing what is needed to protect both the children's virtue, and their daughters virginity, from a practice they see nothing wrong with.

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