AG's Office is addressing polygamy issues
 
Opinion
The Spectrum
 
Let me get this straight, does The Spectrum now want to see every polygamist prosecuted? In its June 5 editorial, The Spectrum stated, "Illegal activity is illegal activity and Shurtleff is being paid by taxpayers to enforce the laws." Last year The Spectrum endorsed the opposite approach in a June 13, 2004 editorial, with the comment, "Perhaps it is time for the state to consider decriminalizing polygamy as a practice between consenting adults. What adults do in the privacy of their own homes is their business."

Despite the newspaper's flip-flopping, our message has been consistent: The Attorney General's Office investigates and prosecutes crimes within polygamist communities, but the primary focus is on crimes involving abuse, domestic violence and fraud. We have acknowledged that we don't have the resources to investigate and prosecute consensual adults living in bigamous relationships. Likewise, our office does not prosecute routine robberies or drug crimes - local law enforcement has primary jurisdiction on those kinds of cases. We save our limited resources for the most serious and complex crimes.

For 50 years, the people living in polygamous communities have been ignored and have not had equal protection under the law. This is the first time that the Attorney General's Office, or any other law enforcement agency, has made such a commitment to bring the rule of law to these closed communities, including:
  • Investigating and prosecuting men for child rape, unlawful sex with minors, incest and fraud against the welfare system.

  • Investigating and taking part in efforts to decertify police officers for violating the law and hampering law enforcement efforts.

  • Securing court orders to protect the people living in Hildale and Colorado City from losing their contributions and assets in the United Effort Plan.
We are not here to attack sincere religious beliefs. But our law enforcement efforts should serve notice that no one is above the law and we will vigorously prosecute crimes that victimize anyone under the guise of religion.

At the same time we are also working to make sure victims from polygamous backgrounds have the same access to assistance as everyone else. Utah and Arizona government agencies, non-profit organizations and others are now working with members of polygamous communities to open up communication, break down barriers and coordinate efforts to provide equal access to justice, safety and services.

This "Safety Net" has made some remarkable accomplishments, including:
  • Securing a $700,000 grant that funds additional social workers and law enforcement officers, expands the Domestic Violence Information Line to 24 hours a day, and provides transportation, emergency shelter and legal help for victims of domestic violence from polygamous communities.

  • Staffing a new Resource Center in Colorado City that is providing space for law enforcement, victims advocates, developmental services and child protective services.

  • Developing protocols, creating manuals and providing training for people associated with polygamy.
Overall, the isolation that has characterized many of the polygamous communities is coming to an end. While others debate about legalizing polygamy or locking up every polygamist, the Attorney General's Office is making a difference. Even though we have limited resources, we are committed to doing more to help people from polygamist backgrounds. We will also continue to seek courageous people who are willing to join us.

The burden to bring perpetrators to justice and provide protection for victims doesn't just rest with the Attorney General's Office - it is the responsibility of everyone.

Mark Shurtleff is Utah Attorney General.
 
TheSpectrum.com
Originally published June 12, 2005
 
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