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PHOENIX (AP) — The Latest on a federal case against two polygamous towns(all times local):
6:08 p.m.
The federal government said in a court filing on Friday evening that it wants the police department that serves two polygamous communities to disband.
The filing had to do with over how to overhaul two polygamous towns in Arizona and Utah that were found to have discriminated against nonbelievers on the basis of religion.
The federal Department of Justice also wants a judge to impose injunctive relief governing certain housing-related municipal services and to appoint a monitor to oversee sweeping changes.
A jury concluded nine months ago that nonbelievers were denied police protection, building permits and water hookups by both towns.
Friday marked the deadline to submit closing arguments.
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The federal government faces a Friday deadline for handing in written closing arguments over how to overhaul two polygamous towns in Arizona and Utah that were found to have discriminated against nonbelievers on the basis of religion.
The U.S. Justice Department has previously said wants to disband the police department shared by Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah.
A jury concluded nine months ago that nonbelievers were denied police protection, building permits and water hookups by both towns.
It's now up to U.S. District Judge H. Russel Holland to decide how to remedy the discrimination.
The towns face a Jan. 9 deadline for turning in their closing arguments.
Attorneys for the towns have suggested they can resolve their problems through policy changes and employee training.
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