Polygamy in Canada: Our dirty little secret?

Polygamy in Canada: Our dirty little secret?

If there are thousands of people illegally practising polygamy in Canada and the United States, why is our biggest battle for human rights happening overseas?
Updated:
2009-11-02 00:35
Published:
2008-09-30 00:00
By 
Daphne Bramham

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS)

The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
The roots of the FLDS are in Mormonism, although the name itself is a recent one. When the mainstream church renounced polygamy in 1890, dissidents splintered off and continued to practise plural marriage. Some men sequestered their illegal families, making contact with other fundamentalists only when they or their sons needed more wives.

Others banded together to follow a "prophet" who claimed to hold the "keys to the priesthood," having received a revelation from God that he was to be a leader of men loyal to the Principle of Celestial Marriage. The fundamentalists believe they are the only true Mormons because they continue to hold to founder Joseph Smith's revelation that men must have multiple wives to enter the highest realm of heaven. There, in the "celestial kingdom," they will become gods, and their wives goddesses — albeit goddesses who must serve at the table of their gods for all eternity.

Polygamy and Mormonism in Canada
Polygamy has been illegal in Canada and the United States since 1890. But fundamentalist Mormonism is thriving in Utah, Arizona, Texas and British Columbia. There are dozens of different groups and thousands of so-called independents, which makes it impossible to know how many fundamentalists there are.

Estimates range from thirty-seven thousand to one million across the continent, yet politicians have been loath to do anything about the people who call themselves Saints. Politicians have not just looked the other way, they have in many instances made it easier for the Saints' leaders to intimidate, control and abuse their followers. Nowhere is that more obvious than in Bountiful, British Columbia, and in the twin towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona.

Turning a blind eye on polygamy in British Columbia
In 1992, the B.C. government refused to enforce Canada's law by charging the bishop of Bountiful, Winston Blackmore, with polygamy. Citing studies by several leading legal experts, the B.C. government said the law would not withstand a challenge under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which, along with the national Constitution, guarantees freedom of religion and association.

Those rights, however, are not unlimited. Twice since its decision not to prosecute polygamy, the B.C. government has successfully gone to court to force children of Jehovah's Witnesses to submit to blood transfusions, even though that goes against their beliefs. The government's argument: religious belief cannot override a child's right to health.

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  • Isabelle Morin wrote:

    Aug 31, 2009

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    These bigamists should be prosecuted, tried and convicted to a life sentence. Our government is wasting our taxpayers' money to help third world countries and is not taking care of us. Something is very wrong here.

  • Jennifer wrote:

    Aug 31, 2009

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    Holy biased and un-researched much? I certainly agree that actual human rights should be protected. Older men should not be marrying teenagers and nobody should ever be forced to marry anyone. But if 3 or more consenting adults choose to marry because of their honestly held religious beliefs, why should they be denied? I don't believe in polygamy personally, but if I agree to let the gov't step all over someone else's religious belief, which of mine will they decide to outlaw? There is a HUGE difference between this and someone taking someone else's life and one would have to be brain-damaged to not be able to see the difference. BTW, every Christian >I< know (myself included) believes the soul comes to the body at CONCEPTION, not at birth. It's only the secular pro-abortionists who need to tell themselves that the unborn aren't people with souls so that what they condone won't be murder. And "North America's Taliban"? REALLY? Last time I checked the FLDS didn't believe that they should wage a holy war to kill every infidel who disagreed with them.

  • Paul wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    it was ok for Kings and noblemen to have five wives. I personally see nothing wrong with polygamy when practiced correctly. Depending on the situation. The FLDS is relgious sect and should be allowd the Freedom to practice there religions as they like. Freedom of Religious expression. Western Christianity had done far more than that to hurt other humans - huge numbers. This article is a lot of bull and Politcial bully. Polygamy is valuable alterntive lifestyle suited for some people - not anyone can do this - people are different. I see no harm to this except in some cases. this article is called Christian Hypocrisy. It is ok to be married to One woman but have 10 mistresses outside of the house - Ha ?

  • Melissa wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    I believe yes, absolutely yes, that these polygamiss should be punished to the full extent of the law. These sects and communities are not harmless. The women are not being educated and children abused and forced to be child brides (slaves in my opinion). This is despicable and should be stopped. These people are usually born into this, so they have no choice in the matter. They know nothing outside that life, and fear being thrown out, as they have no other way of living. How could they refuse the powerful community leaders? In my opinion, this is a very selfish and unchristianlike "religion" although I would deem it more appropriate to call it a cult. How presumptious of them to believe the will be gods and goddesses. And to be so ignorant and hateful of different religions and ethnicities. Isn't one of the fundamental rules of Jesus' teachings that you should not exclude sinners? That you should accept them, but not their ways so that you can help them to see the light, so they may repent? Thier ways seem very contradictory to this teaching. This whole cult, claiming to be a religion, a wolf in sheeps clothing if you will, is misguided, but it seems like no one knows well enough how to stop it.

  • Jessica wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    I think the fact that B.C. is having a hard time prosecuting these people is one more example of how much more "progressive" Canada is than the U.S., and I don't mean that in a good way. We've already redefined the traditional definition of marriage - between one man and one woman - to include gay marriages, what's to stop them from challenging the laws under the name of "religious freedom" to legalize polygamy as well? As sad as it is, I think the B.C. government IS going to have a hard time prosecuting these people, although it needs to be done. Canada should not be so wishy-washy. If polygamy is illegal then it's illegal, it doesn't matter what religious sect you belong to or what country you come from. Because Canada is supposed to be the "mosaic" of the world, we have this mindset that we have to accept everyone exactly the way they are - after all, everyone has the right to believe what they want. But if I have to change my beliefs in order to accomodate your beliefs, aren't YOU infringing on MY rights? If Canada has to change its constitution to accomodate every Joe Blow who happens to live in our country, we're not being progressive, we're being pushovers! Aren't THEY living in OUR country? Get a spine, Canada. Decide what you believe and stand up for it.

  • Dan wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    While not a polygamist myself and dealing with one woman is more than I could probably hanldle I don't see the issue of polygamy a problem. The way it is approached is the real issue. If a man is capable of supporting more than one wife financially , emotionally and provide the physical gratification she needs ,and a woman is WILLING to marry a polygamist I believe its their right as consenting adults to live in such conditions. In some ways it can be more beneficial to the upbringing and welfare of children when an "extra " parent is available.. Similar aspects and practices occur in other society and are condoned. Polygamy,Prostitution, or euthanasia are immoral and are illeagle? Judged as such by who's standards? A moral few who base their beliefs on irrational religious dogma instilled in them since children rather than logic. If an act proves that it causes harm or is detrimental to the fabric of society its the justice systems duty to intervene. Whether they can make the charges stick or not does not matter. Intervention should be based on facts not the whims of a few which believe they have the right to "stick their noses in other peoples business" and dictate what goes on in our private lives

  • Rick Stapleton wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    It should definitely be prosecuted. Just because they're "Christian", doesn't make it right. Allowing people nto hide behind our constituton makes a mockery of it!

  • A. Crawley wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    Why not convict a bunch of pedophiles, who brainwash their victims into thinking that God wants them to commit these crimes. A lot of evil people have blasphemed by claiming that God agreed to their twisted personal brand of evil. Think of Hitler, Inquisitions, slave owners & traders etc. It is too sad that even if all these men were convicted and imprisoned, their victims would need massive mental, psychological and physical rehabilitation that would still not repair the damage.

  • D wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    I'm a woman in a polygamous marriage where we reside in Canada and I think it should be legal here. If it were there would be more help for women if they decide to leave. As right now it may be more difficult because it is not legal. I think the main reason why it is not allowed legally is mainly because of financial government support and it's costs if used and second because it is very much misunderstood. I found this interesting, have a look: http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=x5U6lZc0Or0&eurl=http://gr8fultohimswt.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html

  • Jimothy wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    I was sickened while reading the article re: polygamy in the US and Canada - I have read/watched reports on various cult activities. The abuse perpetrated by cult leaders (I would lump FLDS in with these) is incredible, unbelievable. It is heartening to learn that governments are pursuing these pedophiles. Religious freedoms do not supercede other, basic human rights - a very severe (legal) example should be made so that this is clearly understood.

  • Gary wrote:

    Oct 04, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    Absolutly they should be prosecuted in both Canada and The United States.

  • Anon. wrote:

    Oct 07, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    Amazingly, all you people are focusing on the fact that this case of polygamy had to do with child molestation and rape, and you slap it on like a stereotype. It's almost as if you're saying, 'Yes, All Asians are Great at Math!' I personally find no issue with polygamy, should proper steps be taken. 1.) All husbands/wives are of legal age. 2.) All husbands/wives are knowing of the situation. 3.) All husbands/wives give consent to this. 4.) All husbands/wives are treated in an equal and fair manner. Simple, no?

  • Justin Dockery wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    The plank in our own eye is sometimes difficult to see. It's embarrassing to think that we have to still deal with such a barbaric attitude in our own borders. I would love to see the Provincial government in B.C. called our for their complacency in this matter. How do they rationalize their stance when women and children are being so taken advantage of. Continue to make this issue known to the world. At the very least, let's hope that we are embarrassed into doing something. As citizens of Canada we need to speak up in defense of those who need to be defended.

  • JA wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    Send them all(polygamist rulers and followers) to prison for life.

  • Marlene Bleau wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    YES.

  • charlize wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:00 PM

    omg, these people need to go to jail, what they're doing is disgusting, cruel and intollerable. I can't believe that the BC govt isn't doing anything about it, someone really needs to step up and lead an initiative against this. Obviously the woman and children have been completely stripped of their rights.

  • Sarah wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    yes polygamists should be prosecuted!!!In addition to the "Saints" there are multiple people living this lifestyle, without the "justification" of religion. Most of the women don't know what they're in for until years have passed and they've been stripped of most of the freedoms other people take for granted. Stupidly they're in it for "love". I know, I lived it, and got out.

  • Rod Nagy wrote:

    Oct 04, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    It bogles my mind that even in this day and age people are still being oppressed by others who justify it by using their particular religious interpritations . This kind of tyranny must end if we are to to survive as a society.I'm in favour of all forms of freedom,religious included but people like this need to be held accountable and prosecuted .

  • Skye wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Any action that disrespects or violates one's fundamental rights and\or agrieves a person's spirit, is reprehensible. Such abusers of others should be brought to account, an accounting that will render them powerless to repeat such atrocities. Victims of these kinds of violations need help to reintegrate into healthy community life and need the tools to reclaim their lives again. The law needs to be enforced for this to happen and much as I don't like using the word "force", the law must choose to act in this instance. Thanks for listening, Skye

  • joe stevenson wrote:

    Oct 04, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    What do i pay taxes for??? Why re the rules different for these SOBs then the rest of our nation. This is disgraceful!!

  • Beth Renaud wrote:

    Aug 31, 2009

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    I think that like any other issue that everyone knows is going on but is ignored for the obvious reason that it has or would be proven too hard to prosecute - ie, prostitution or marijuana use - we need to start looking at ways to bring it out of the shadows and into the legislated sunshine. If anyone believes that by prosecuting the leaders polygamy will go away, they are very wrong. These social outcasts feel that they have no where to go and that their leaders are all powerful. Even from jail, they continue to lead their flocks. If their people started to see state or provincial authorities working with their leaders and that like any other religious group they need to work within a system that is unbiased for everyone, then we can start to control who is marrying whom and these ceremonies will not be happening behind closed doors and in secret. Allowing polygamy and requiring special licences to have multiple marriages will also allow governments to accurately assess for welfare and tax fraud.

  • Paul wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    this article is heavily bias and fails to understand some cultures. It is straight jacket Western hypocrisy. It just does not understand the polygamy nor its history etc. There were ancient cultures that had these practices, even in Scripture, not only in the Bible but other World Religions. This articile maybe has Political agendas. I am not nor never belonged to the Church of Latter Day Saints. I follow Eastern Religions. But this article is hypocrisy or some Angry Feminist venting, who has no tolerance period, and thinks that polygamy is an abuse to women. What an ignorant one-sided view, with the minor flaws exaggerated. Must have been written by a lesbian or some women who thinks it is ok to dominate men like some women I know.

  • N Tinney wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Double standards are alive, well and living in Canada and the USA. It's always easier to point fingers at others than look to ourselves and really see that we are no better than they. Polygamists should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Women and children need to be remove from these places and an extensive education program put in place to specifically meet their needs.

  • Alice wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    How many spouses a person has is not the issue - the treatment of those spouses is. Polygamy itself is not wrong and shouldn't be used as the definition of the crime. A woman can be treated just as unfairly if she's the only wife (often by people with similar social or religious outlooks) so why not make the persecution and ill-treatment the focus not the fact that there's more than one wife? If a group of people can be polygamous without any of the ill treatment where is the harm regardless of the fact that many, maybe most, of the people practising polygamy are causing harm? I do NOT condone the sort of behaviour that causes people to revile polygamy but I don't see that polygamy itself is the problem. Polygamy as practised by certain people or groups is a problem.

  • Sharon wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Polygamists should be prosecuted in Canada as would other Canadians not upholding the law.

  • Roxanne wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    We are deep rooted wussies most of the time and spend way to much energy trying not to offend anyone. I am sick and tired as are so many other citizens of this country of putting up with crap like this. The law is the law enforce it. While we are at it lets stop being pushed around by all the immigrants we let in to this great country. If you want to live here learn to speak English, get a job, stop making us pay for all your needs and medical care Canadians can't even get. If you break the law get out. If you love your home land strife and politics so much go back, or leave it the door when you enter. All these dead beats make it hard for the deserving immigrants to be here. If we moved to their old homeland we would never get all the concessions we give. It is getting to the point with all these people who are breaking laws, hurting, people and taking advantage, to even define what Canada or Canadians even are anymore....Our leaders, laws, and policies are a joke...

  • earl wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    The answer is clear poligamy is illegal and the perpetrators and promoters of such acts should be dealt with harshly . To allow anyone to blatantly break the laws of our country is deplorable . When the welfare of innocent children is at risk it is despicable for the courts to ignore their plight . The government and courts have an obligation to put an end to these practices immediately . When you fight for the right you do not weigh the odds as to whether you will win or lose . If the courts can not enforce the laws as they are then the government should be reworking the law so that it is enforcable . What we have here is a bunch of grandstanding , politically motivated phonies that lack the will to enforce the laws of our land .

  • Paulette wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    This is why I have a problem with this "so called" organized religion because the laws of the land do not protect the rights of the individual. How can we stand by and allow what is essentially child trafficking in our own country. These grown men are basically pedophiles. Has no one done anything else for these women and children because it isn&#8217;t economically viable? Has no one done anything because this &#8220;Bountiful&#8221; clan has given a large tax base to the British Columbian Government? What is the bottom line? What is the price they pay for our lack of action?

  • Pirjo wrote:

    Oct 04, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    We're supposed to be "civilized nations", and yet we let the bastards get away with this.... ? ! ! !

  • Cidalia Melo wrote:

    Oct 06, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Yes i believe polygamists should be prosecuted.

  • Heather Beaupre wrote:

    Oct 06, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    I think that it is outrageous that we allow children and woman to be treated this way in the name of religion! I am proud to be canadian but ashamed of this.

  • Stacey wrote:

    Oct 06, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Polygamy should definitely be prosecuted, but I didn't see any references anywhere in this article to prove that FLDS have this views of life. IMHO, the article is a lot of empty words in search for another sensation. That's all.

  • G wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    I think that this horriable thing about young girls being "married off" is repulsive but if 2 or 3 people have an adult relationship instead of just all liveing together they should be able to get married just the same way as now the gay comunities can get married when they could not before ?? So pick ... 1 is against the state law and 1 is against gods law ?? witch is the right choice ?????

  • Larry Anderson wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    They most certainly should! Sharia law cannot be tolerated in a country founded on the tenents of Judeo-Christian law, nor should the twisted " visions" of a few self serving, self styled "prophets". The whole concept of the fundamentalists fly in the face of basic human rights and in the face of what Canada has stood for and fought for over the past 141 years.

  • doc wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Just another example of 'do as we say, not as we do', of the US and Canadian Governments. It is not financially beneficial to large corporations to prosecute Warren Jeffs or Blackmore, as it was to invade Iraq and Afghanistan in order to 'rid' these countries of Taliban or evil empires and in the process making billions of dollars for corporate giants. Either it is illegal to practice polygamy or it is not. Religious freedom or not, the law is the law for one and all. Wha tif my religious freedom dictates sex with animals, murdering those who disagree with my religious beliefs or robbing people in order to ensure my religious group succeeds financially? Would government stand behind the Charter or Rights and say it is OK, and the law be damned. I doubt it very much. Since these polygamist organizations prey on women and children that is OK in the eyes of the government as it is protected as 'Religious Freedom'. Who is more the hypocrite here?

  • Luka wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    I think it's a shame that these people have been allowed to continue with their way of life in the name of freedom. What of the freedoms of the children?

  • Ryan Forster wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Substantial criminal law exists but is not being enforced against polygamists. This is of course a political choice. Though polygamists could be charged with the criminal offense of polygamy, the courts feel that such charges could not withstand Charter scrutiny. In other words, criminal charges will not stand up to Section 2(a) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Polygamists should not be protected by section 2(a) (freedom of conscience and religion). This right could easily be trumped by "reasonable limits". All rights can be limited by the state if there are reasonable grounds to do so. In the case of polygamy it is not difficult to identify such grounds. These being, of course, to rights of the women and children subjected to the oppressive environment of these polygamist cults. Though some within the walls of these communities may argue that they are doing what is right, it is hard to simply recognize that their beliefs and opinions are their own. The socialization of the people in these communities is extremely exclusive and limited. Should these people not have equal access to the information and resources that the average Canadian has? Shouldn't they have the right to choose for themselves what they believe and how they would like to live? It is time for the legislature to enforce existing criminal laws and limit the rights of polygamists on the grounds that they are clearly and unlawfully limiting the rights of the women and children within their communities. Everyone should have equal rights. Those individuals subject to these polygamists clearly do not.

  • Yvonne wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    YES, YES, YES!!! Polygamists should be charged in Canada. Why are we not protecting the rights of the children? Those men are pedophiles and under the Canadian Law pedophiles are charged and convicted for their crimes! The US is finally doing something about this, why isn't Canada? Get off the fence and take a stand for the rights of humanbeings in OUR country!

  • P. F. wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Polygamists in Canada should absolutly be prosecuted. Shame on B.C. government for protecting men like Blackmore who I believe should be locked in for a very long time. Lets focus on the future, where I still hope one day Human Rights will be respected for everyone in this world, and not go back to some barbaric acts of polygamy, no educations, and poor heath regulations from the ideology of a few very selfish, rightious, racist, rapist, barberic men that call themself "Men of god".

  • Chuck wrote:

    Oct 06, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Yes, yes they should be charged. Their are laws against polygamy in Canada and the US and failure to adhere to these laws is a shot against the legitmacy of both country's Government and Judicial Establishments. As was stated in the article, the state does have the ability (I would argue responsibilty) to intervene when religious beliefs cross the legal boundries of the country that they live in. The fact that this has gone on for over 100 years without intervention is a complete failure of North American judiciary systems and cannot be tolerated. Charge, prosecute and sentence as many of the ring leaders as possible as soon as possible and get the children out of these sick buggers hands so that they can recieve proper educations and learn to decide their own fates. If they can force the Jehova's witness (a religion I find annoying but no where near as damaging) to adhere to the laws of the country why not the Fundamentalist Mormons? Laws should apply to all citizens and guests of a nation, every one from the prime minister (or president) to the lowest transient on the street and if you're religion cannot abide by our relatively leinenant laws than it is not welcome in our society (and I imagine you will have a hard time finding any place where it is). PS I do hope they exact a proper punishment on Warren Jeffs.

  • Terri Silveira wrote:

    Aug 31, 2009

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    YES.....I am tired of our elected officials and buerocrats hiding behind their fear of the constitution and political correctness to protect people who chose not to live by the same laws the rest of us obey.

  • Mark wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    I think that if consenting adults want polygamy fine, but forcing the issue on women @ children under 18 years old is not ok. I do not think even @ 18 most people are ready for marriage today.

  • Elizabeth Mostovac wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Of course polygamists in Canada should be persecuted. This is not a matter of protecting the faith - it is a matter of power exercised over helpless individuals. If we had a sect of devil worshipers addicted to eating human flesh - would we let them practice it freely? School and education should be more than a privilege - it should be an obligation. If we force the parents to send their children to school responding to provincial standards - needing to pass exams on common curriculum like all other children - things will change.

  • Simrat wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    Yes, I believe that polygamists in Canada and United States should be prosecuted. They deserve to be in jail for putting all those boys, girls, and women through hell just because they were born to the wrong parents. These parents who married their young off to men who are old as their grandfathers. That's just plain discusting.

  • lynne wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    YES! POLYGAMY IN EVERYWHERE MUST BE PROSECUTED! ESPECIALLY THOSE RELIGIONS USING THE NAME OF GOD BUT PERVERTING THE LAW OF GOD. THESE PEOPLE IN FLDS ARE MAKING THEIR OWN RULES WHICH IS AGAINST THE LAW OF GOD JUST TO SATISFY THEIR LUSTS. THEY MUST BE PROSECUTED SO THAT THEY MUST STOP UNDERMINING AND CONTROLLING HUMAN RIGHTS.

  • Annonymous wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    Google the Cult of Chris Butler Exposed. Many similarities to Jeffs. Both were just obscure people who set themselves up as gods at the head of a cult. He calls gays fags. Free "yoga" classes in Kelown that try to recruit unknowing people. Kids not educated, women subserviant.

  • Vino Antony wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    It just goes to show you how blind people can be when they preach democracy. More often than not injustice goes unnoticed right underneath their nose while they're spreading their perverse view of "democracy". This article finally puts it out in the open that North Americans often preach but never practice.

  • Ian McLean wrote:

    Aug 31, 2009

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    Did any of the slack-jawed yokels here, who are screaming that polygamists should be prosecuted for violating the law read that part on Page 3 of the article ( third paragraph) where the author says "Yet in 1992, the B.C. government effectively legalized polygamy." What exactly would they be prosecuted for? Knowingly engaging in a perfectly legal practice? But hey, who needs facts? especially when you're trying to whip up some good old-fashioned bigotry and anti-polygamist hysteria. The SWEET "PILL" that MAKES LIFE BITTER! Women Cry For It - Men Die For it! "POLYGAMY MADNESS!!!!!!!! "

  • B wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    What part of "iilegal activity" is being misunderstood here?!?!? They are breaking the law just as any thief, drug dealer, murderer or rapist does. And I believe that's a fair comparison! Over all I'm proud to be Canadian but this is outright embarassing.

  • joanna sexauer wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    polygamy is discusting and we as a nation should be appalled and embarrased and ashamed of ourselves for letting it happen right in our own backyard.

  • Brandi wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    Yes!, I believe that these so called leaders of the Mormon [FLDS] should be charged and held accountable for the crimes they are committing. They can disguise these horrid immoral acts of conduct as their Religious rites, and it is disgusting that at this time of History this has not been dealt with and brought to justice in the Court System... for the sake of the young girls that are considered as no more then 'Baby Factories' & 'Sub-servants' for these self righteous men who believe they are being instructed of God to do evil. For all those who have escaped this life - after being raised within, and believed at an early age that they are designated to keep reproduction within their group of believers going as a method to ushering in a pure people for God's Kingdom on earth, is a scary thing. Thank God they sensed that something was not right and got out !!! Becoming god's and goddesses is another sad reference to women spending eternity serving the very men that held them in bondage throughout their earth journey. Sure doesn't sound like Heaven to me, nor what Jesus taught His followers about life on earth, and His Kingdom that would be established on earth upon His return. If Warren has his followers so brain washed into thinking this life style is acceptable before God [totally against the scriptures of the Holy Bible - Living Word] then many could lose hope and continue following this misguided lunatic. The Courts should either be involved in all Religions that deny children safety from sex predators / medical aid / physical mutualation / all life necessities to live a productive and safe life...or stay out of all of it. Picking and choosing what they want to deal with is not 'Justice For All'...at all.

  • dianne wrote:

    Oct 04, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    It is absoulutely outrageous that our government is allowing this to go on, why do we continue to allow this so called religious group to continue is degrading behaviour towards women and children. they are helpless to control these sick men. I demand that the American and Canadian Goverments act now to stop this behaviour, like they say they are horrified when it happens in third world countries, well what about North America. Hello wake up Governments. Help our Women and Children

  • Leola wrote:

    Sep 16, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    YES. Polygamy is ILLEGAL in Canada as is SEX with an underage person and is esp odious when the agressor is old enough to be her grandfather. Forced marriages and coherst sex by someone in a position of power is an abonimation of the power and is morally as well a legally reprehensible. The last time I looked Bountiful is in Canada. That means either abide by the laws of this country or leave.

  • Jennifer Kliem wrote:

    Oct 06, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    The reason a lot of polygamous relationships haven't been prosecuted is simple. Like it or not, the law protects freedom of religion. You don't have to love it but you do have to accept it. By all means, prosecute statutory rape or other violations within these communities. But between consenting adults, the gov't should have no say. When's the last time sodomy was prosecuted, despite its illegality in many places and the fact that just as many people find it morally reprehensible. I am a Christian rather than a Mormon and I don't believe in polygamy (or most other Mormon teachings) by any means, but I would defend a Mormon's right to his religious expression wholeheartedly because I know when I give the gov't the right to legislate his religion, I have also given them the right to legislate mine.

  • Sam wrote:

    Oct 03, 2008

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    This is disgraceful and shocking. The US and Canada NEED to acknowledge what's going on here in our own country. The amount of effort they put in making the world aware of what's going on in other countries (also inacceptable) is crazy. Every person in the US and Canada now has this inept attitude of superiority and assume higher intelligence than the average Muslim. What they need to realise in show fairly in the bigger picture to the public is :'Yes, there are terrorists, ppl with fanatic views who are, very simply put, crazy. But these fanatics are everywhere. In every faith, country, you name it. It's not only for one religion. Being a visible minority, a visibly Muslim woman who was born in Canada, educated and working at a respectable level, I deal with combatting the stigma of what ppl think I may be EVERY day. Now, I am naturally a passive person with a sense of humour, and like to learn continuopusly. This may be why ppl are able to approach me and ask away, trying to figure out what I am about. All in all, I don't mind one bit in explaining my views or why I choose to dress the way I do, but I can't help but wonder why soo many ppl even today have never taken the time to come over and say hello and try to meet a Muslim person for themselves. It's sad. The society we have created has only left us feeling as if it's nothing worth our time. Us, and Canda, wake up!

  • Jennifer wrote:

    Aug 31, 2009

    2009-11-18 3:02 PM

    I am appauled that Canada would not do anything about this outrageous lifestyle and even more that may be going on with these polygamous people. I am a family therapist living in Ontario and also a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (NOT the FUNDAMentalist one!!!)...very sad at Canada..please do something to stop this outrage!

  • Adam C wrote:

    Dec 30, 2009

    2009-12-30 1:30 PM

    That these gluttonous old men are trying to use freedom of religion as their shiel against the law is no surprise. But what is a surprise is how many people actually believe that religion is being practiced at Bountiful. Religion is being used as a tool to enslave the women that are living there. These are not religious men, rather, they are sexual predators, who've come up with a novel way to ensure the subservience of their victims. By way of proof, I offer this observation: every religion believes itself to be the true path to salvation, and they constantly seek to increase the ranks of the 'saved' through conversion(or enlightenment depending on your beliefs). In short, religions WANT new people to join. This isn't the case in Bountiful. The old men there make no effort to increase their numbers(unless we're talking about pretty girls), and live in almost complete isolation(all the better to keep their female slaves isolated). And since females would have to outnumber males by a huge margin for this level of gluttony to continue, young males are cast out of Bountiful so the flacid old men can keep all the pretty young girls for themselves(what religion does that?). We should not allow ourselves to be fooled into thinking that religion has anything to do with what's going on in Bountiful. And we should not allow our elected officials to hide from this issue. Polygamy must be STOPPED.
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