Hellfire and sexual coercion: the dark side of American polygamist sects

[Shallah Kali]

While the religious right stirs up terror of consentual gay marriage in general plus claiming that it will lead to polygamy polygamy is already happening right now and it isn't consentual. Can you imagine the RW standing for this if it was Mulims doing this?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1517783,00.html

Watchdog groups believe there could be between 30,000 and 100,000 Americans living in polygamy today, many of them in Utah, where the practice first took root, and others scattered across the North American continent.

SNIP

An investigation is also under way into the trafficking of girls between polygamous sects on either side of the US-Canadian border.

Andrea Moore-Emmett, the author of God's Brothel, a book about polygamy's victims, said: "The national press just thought it's a goofy Utah problem. But it's spread all over the country, in 38 states."

SNIP

From the age of 11 she was taught that Jim Harmston was the reincarnation of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon faith. He travelled to other planets in his sleep and spoke with God's authority. Sex with the church elders was a sacrament.

[fasttense]

1. Oh the wonders of religion just never cease. n/t

:sarcasm:

[Midnight Rambler]

2. SPLC has an article on Warren Jeffs

Dunno if it's been posted here before, but that guy is just as scary.

[Shallah Kali]

3. Here are the links

SPLCenter.org: Tempest in Texas
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=527

In His Own Words
FLDS 'prophet' Warren Jeffs offers up some harsh opinions on blacks, women, gays, violence and the end of the world
http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?sid=342

[ikojo]

6. If he's a Mormon fundie it is no surprise to me that he

hates blacks. It wasn't until 1978 or so that blacks were allowed to become Mormons. Supposedly one of the church elders received a "prophecy" that it was OK for blacks to become Mormons.

Oy vey!

To most fundie Christians, Mormonism is not a Christian religion and Mormons are not seen as Christians (neither are Catholics for some reason).

[Bassic]

8. To Catholics....

Mormons are heretics actually.

[roseBudd]

4. Maybe going after polygamy should be the dem's "moral values"...

incentive to turn out the monogamy base for dems. The imagery of adolescent girls and middle-aged men is priceless. Hate to sound cynical but I am capable of Rovian thought processes.

[Demeter]

5. Excuse Please: What Is The BRIGHT Side of Polygamy?

Can't have a dark side without the silver lining, hmmm?

[fasttense]

7. The silver lining is that most are on welfare,

Wait, no. The silver lining is that these 13 year old girls are pregnant and not out on the street. Oh wait, no. The silver lining is More Mormons!!!:sarcasm: