Two leaders in a polygamous community in Bountiful, BC have been charged under Criminal Code for practising polygamy, Jim Oler and Winston Blackmore. Mr. Oler is charged with "practising polygamy" with two women and Mr. Blackmore's charge relates to 20 women. “This has been a very complex issue,” said B.C. Attorney-General Wally Oppal. “It's been with us for well over 20 years. The problem has always been the defence of religion has always been raised.” Mr. Oppal and legal experts do not believe that the charge will withstand due to the Charter of Rights over the issue of freedom or religion. "Mr. Blackmore was considered the bishop in Canada of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1984 until 2002, when he was replaced by Mr. Oler. He is reported to have more than 20 wives and dozens of children. In an exchange of e-mails with The Globe and Mail earlier this year, Mr. Blackmore said he had no legal wives but lots of family members." Previous to this incident a raid took place in Texas. Authorities concluded that 12 of the 439 children who were seized during the raid were under aged child brides, seven of which who were between the ages of 12 and 15 and had one ore more children. The raid led to the largest child welfare apprehension in U.S. history.I think that this article is very interesting. It is clearly very sick that this is practiced and even considered a religion as I personally do not see any religious aspects through having multiples wives. I think that all polygamy communities must be stopped of their activities regardless of whether or not it is illegal. I do not think it is fair for children to be born into, as well as forced into these practices and beliefs.
Source:http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090107.wbountiful0107/BNStory/National/home
