Utah Seeks to Decriminalize Polygamy
Feb 21, 2020
A Utah Senate committee just passed SB 102, which would decriminalize polygamy between consenting adults in that state. The bill now heads to the full Utah Senate for a vote.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Deidre Henderson, presented a twisted view of those in polygamous relationships as victims in need of legal protection. “They are tired of being treated like second-class citizens,” Sen. Henderson said. “They feel like Utah has legalized prejudice against them. They want to be honest people, but feel like they have to lie or teach their children to lie about their families in order to stay safe.”
The current law in Utah makes polygamy a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. That prison sentence increases to an additional 15 years if the defendant is also convicted of fraud, child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, or human trafficking.
But if Henderson’s bill became law, it would reduce polygamy to an infraction instead of a felony, one without jail time or arrest. Those charged could face possible fines of up to $750.
Not surprisingly, polygamists in Utah are now using the same arguments that same-sex couples used to gain leverage for “marriage rights.” As the writers of a recent Federalist article suggest, “when marriage is simply a vehicle for adult fulfillment, as per the Obergefell ruling, marriage morphs into whatever assemblage makes adults happy.”
And, unfortunately, whatever makes adults happy isn’t necessarily best for children. In fact, The Federalist writers attest that “both same-sex marriage and polygamy infringe on the rights of children” and that polygamous relationships can lead to abuse and neglect between the non-biological “parent” and the child.
Bill to decriminalize polygamy earns unanimous approval from Utah Senate committee
The Salt Lake Tribune
Utah Senate committee unanimously approves bill to decriminalize polygamy
The Hill
Utah may decriminalize polygamy. No one should be surprised.
LifeSiteNews
Push To Legalize Polygamy Uses Same Arguments As Push For Same-Sex Marriage
The Federalist
SB 102
Utah State Legislature
NOTE: FACT provides links to external websites for educational purposes only. The inclusion of any links to other websites does not necessarily constitute an endorsement.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Deidre Henderson, presented a twisted view of those in polygamous relationships as victims in need of legal protection. “They are tired of being treated like second-class citizens,” Sen. Henderson said. “They feel like Utah has legalized prejudice against them. They want to be honest people, but feel like they have to lie or teach their children to lie about their families in order to stay safe.”
The current law in Utah makes polygamy a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. That prison sentence increases to an additional 15 years if the defendant is also convicted of fraud, child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, or human trafficking.
But if Henderson’s bill became law, it would reduce polygamy to an infraction instead of a felony, one without jail time or arrest. Those charged could face possible fines of up to $750.
Not surprisingly, polygamists in Utah are now using the same arguments that same-sex couples used to gain leverage for “marriage rights.” As the writers of a recent Federalist article suggest, “when marriage is simply a vehicle for adult fulfillment, as per the Obergefell ruling, marriage morphs into whatever assemblage makes adults happy.”
And, unfortunately, whatever makes adults happy isn’t necessarily best for children. In fact, The Federalist writers attest that “both same-sex marriage and polygamy infringe on the rights of children” and that polygamous relationships can lead to abuse and neglect between the non-biological “parent” and the child.
News Sources
Bill to decriminalize polygamy earns unanimous approval from Utah Senate committeeThe Salt Lake Tribune
Utah Senate committee unanimously approves bill to decriminalize polygamy
The Hill
Utah may decriminalize polygamy. No one should be surprised.
LifeSiteNews
Push To Legalize Polygamy Uses Same Arguments As Push For Same-Sex Marriage
The Federalist
SB 102
Utah State Legislature
NOTE: FACT provides links to external websites for educational purposes only. The inclusion of any links to other websites does not necessarily constitute an endorsement.
