A US federal judge has struck down a key part of Utah’s law banning polygamy – providing welcome relief to one practising Mormon family.
Joe Darger, who described himself as an “independent Mormon fundamentalist”, has 25 children with three wives.
US District Judge Clark Waddoups threw out part of a bill which allows the state to use cohabitation as a basis for prosecution, although Utah does still prohibit bigamy.
Cousins Elena and Vicki married Joe in 1990 and in 1992 Vicki’s twin sister Valerie joined them.
The unusual family have always worried Joe could face arrest, but the latest ruling means the state cannot use cohabitation as a basis for prosecution as it goes against the individuals’ right to freedom of religion enshrined in the First Amendment. » | Rose Troup Buchanan | Monday, February 10, 2014
