This is the latest and greatest trial going on here in the U.S. To me he is more of a cult leader, but many would say it is a true religious practice.
I believe that in the U.S. everyone is free to have their own beliefs and religious practices....as long as you have free will choice. In this case, it seems many women, many children really at 13 years of age, living in a closed community with no choice but to marry some old man who could be their grandfather, or in at least one instance, their cousin. Apparently younger men were kicked out so the old ones didn't have any competition. I am sure for many of the young girls there was no escape out of the community as they were watched like hawks. Many were physically abused as well (twisting their braids was not only allowed if one disobeyed, but encouraged).
W. Jeffs now wants to represent himself in court, so it will be interesting to see how it all turns out. I myself find it really dispicable, but that is based on my own personal beliefs. Again I believe in freedom to choose, and if a woman is happy in that situation, than fine then. I do know there are places where polygamy is allowed, but I just don't like the idea of the forced part, and the child/abuse part. Ick.
Anyway, below is a link to the entire story (it really begins on page 4). What do you guys think? OK cause it is their religion and they should be free to practice whatever they want? Or sounds like a twisted cult? What do you think W. Jeffs should be convicted of, if anything?
http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/c...s/1_index.html