Freedom of faith must be honored

Was the prosecution of a Utah polygamy case appropriate?

Let's get this out of the way right up front: If my husband were to bring home a "sister wife" to share our bedroom, he'd better be prepared for bloodshed. This column won't offer any defense for polygamy as a lifestyle. But as an expression of religious faith? Let's talk.

We can argue about the legal definition of bigamy. We can compare convicted polygamist Tom Green to the millions of citizens free to father children as they darn well please, by whom they darn well please - within and without the bonds of marriage. But let's not. Let's go right to the bottom line: the U.S. Constitution.

More specifically, let's go to the Bill of Rights, whose First Amendment begins: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ... "

Plural marriage is a cornerstone in the teachings of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fundamentalist Mormons believe "celestial marriage" is the only way they may receive the highest degree of glory in heaven. Mormon practice of polygamy is an expression of faith, commitment and sacrifice.

Driving polygamy underground has resulted in the human rights abuses inherent to an archaic, closed system. Those abuses - especially arranged marriages of underage girls - must stop. Freedom of religion extends to every American; even the children of polygamy must be ensured the right to choose their own paths.

But not all polygamists dwell in desert compounds, dependent on public assistance to feed their herds of inbred offspring. Hundreds - perhaps thousands - of polygamous families live in the suburbs and small towns of Utah, Arizona and other states. They pay their taxes, support their families and mow their lawns. And they attend the church of their choice.

Open any newspaper and read about the people of Afghanistan. Switch on the television and watch the latest footage of Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Reacquaint yourself with the diary of a young girl named Anne Frank.

Religious freedom is a uniquely American concept and perhaps our greatest gift to ourselves.

It is time for Utah to acknowledge its complex heritage and address its controversial legacy. But to prosecute Americans for sincerely observing their chosen religion is downright un-American.

Copyright 2001 Cowles Publishing Company
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