Mormons are not typical Christians. They are considered a sect and are not part of the Christian mainstream. They have a completely different book called, The Book of Mormon. It has only a few similarities to the traditional Christian Bible. Because religious freedom is assured in the US, the government does not tell these people who/what/when/how they should worship...however, this particular group on Mormons (who are more radical than traditional Mormons) have broken MANY statutory laws governing child protection. That is the legal issue. As far as the "plural marriage issue" is concerned....these men are only legally married to one woman. They take on several "spiritual wives". There is nothing statutorily wrong with this however most Americans find it morally repugnant. As a strong believer in the first amendment of the American Constitution which assures an individuals RIGHT to worship as they please, I don't fundementally have a problem with Mormons. I do have a serious problem with the mistreatment of children within this sect.

I couldn't agree more, Elisabeth. This thread desperately needed a comment that the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not a Christian organisation but a denomination of The Mormon Church.

Like you, I believe in freedom of religion. Adults should have the right to choose a religion. If they decide to accept polygamy, it should be allowed. However, I believe a religion that allows men to marry more than one wife will soon find a way to force women into polygamy whether they like it or not. If a religion allowed polygamy for both men and women and was a matter of personal choice then...let it be (But then the children in such a group would have a problematic situation). Nah, on the other hand, I'd go for the No-Religion-Is-Better option.

The difficulty between balancing individual freedom with morality is something that the US has struggled with since it's inception. However the law is very clear. You can not LEGALLY marry more than one person. These fundementalists have found a way to circumvent the laws by taking "spiritual wives" in addition to their legal wife. The fact that these women are often held against their will is a clear violation of their rights and civil liberties. Couple this with the fact that under age girls are FORCED to marry (whether legally or "spiritually) and have sex is a clear violation of child protection laws.

This is a RENEGADE SECT. NOT A REFLECTION OF AVERAGE AMERICAL LIFE. They will be prosectuted for there alledged crimes and punished if they are found guilty...something that happens rarely in the middle east for similar CRIMES!