Polygamy backers claim Utah bill infringes on religious freedom

By The Associated Press

02.13.01

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SALT LAKE CITY — A group of women criticized an anti-polygamy bill yesterday that they say would restrict their religious freedom.

"We would like to see consensual adult relationships decriminalized," said Sidney Anderson, director of the Women's Religious Liberties Union, an organization representing polygamous wives. "This is the only state that has been so oppressive against an individual's freedom of choice."

The women addressed several lawmakers yesterday during an unscheduled lobbying effort.

Under Senate Bill 146, sponsored by Sen. Ron Allen, D-Stansbury Park, anyone convicted of performing or arranging a marriage with a juvenile — what opponents call an abuse and say is common in polygamous societies — could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

The bill also would apply to anyone who officiates at any prohibited wedding ceremony, including adult polygamous marriages.

"To legislatively create a loophole for a minority of the population to be persecuted because of their religious beliefs in unconscionable," said Anderson, who sat at a table with a sign reading "Decriminalize My Religion." She said her group has 200 members nationwide from a number of religious backgrounds.

Meanwhile, Arizona lawmakers are considering a related bill partially intended to prevent simply crossing the state line to avoid Utah restrictions. Under the Arizona measure, anyone wanting to marry a child under age 16 in Arizona would have to show a judge the union is voluntary and in the best interests of the child.

Polygamy was outlawed by the Utah Constitution in 1896, at the insistence of the federal government. The Mormon church, which brought polygamy to the state, formally disavowed the practice in 1890.

Allen's bill, which unanimously passed the Senate last week and is awaiting a House hearing, also would apply to anyone who performs same-sex unions.

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