Polygamist lawyers in Utah face bar investigation

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Seven Utah lawyers are being accused in a new complaint that they are violating rules of conduct because they are polygamists

By The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY — Apr 20, 2019 7:35 PM

Seven Utah lawyers are violating rules of conduct because they are polygamists, according to a new complaint filed with the Utah Bar Association.

The complaint was filed by a woman named Melissa Ellis who used to belong to a northern Utah polygamous group. She believes Utah should take action against polygamists who hold public office or professional licenses, The Salt Lake Tribune .

University of Utah of law professor Linda F. Smith said its unlikely the complaint will lead to discipline.

Lawyers have been polygamists in this state for a long time, Smith said. This isnt that new.


Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/polygamist-lawyers-utah-face-bar-investigation-62531585

[eggplant]

2. I don't understand your comment. Also, welcome to DU!

[Honeycombe8]

3. It's about time the states stop supporting polygamy.

It's not the harmless lifestyle choice polygamists like to claim. It's harmful to women, young men, and particularly children. I've seen documentaries on different groups. They treat the children like little work horses...the group(s) I saw had no toys or play time for children. The children didn't laugh and play. An adult woman can choose the lifestyle, but children have no choice. The young men were kicked out of the group in their teen years because they would be competitors for the adult men. There are far fewer men than women in a polygamist group, of course. This was traumatizing to teen boys, who were allowed to take some belongings, and sent on their way, on foot. In the documentaries I saw, these groups were not happy places for anyone except some of the top male leaders. Young girls would be married off to old men. There is a reason polygamy is against the law. In theory, it might sound okay. But in practice, it really seems to be harmful to children.

[Hamlette]

4. it doesn't work economically, almost all are on assistance

in Utah that is just food stamps and Medicaid. They are not eligible for child care and cash assistance ends after 3 years.

One man can't get health insurance for 5 wives and 30 kids. Or make enough to support them all.

[Opel_Justwax]

5. It is not the Bars business regarding the religious and marital practices of it's members

[Coventina]

6. It absolutely is when they are breaking the law.

[Xolodno]

7. I see polygamy in two ways....

One is where a couple invite a third and willing partner into their relationship, lay out the boundaries, document how the economics work and in case of dissolution, have contracted that as well. This kind of polygamy I'm not against.

But forced religious polygamy on the other hand, particular under fundie nut cases...yeah, this kind of stuff needs to hammered down.

Of course the former will never be "legal" due to the latter.