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(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Mary Richards reporting
Imagine being told that you have to choose between your religion and your family. That's the choice polygamist mothers in Texas could face.
Texas officials could tell mothers who are members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) to distance themselves from aspects of their religion or lose custody of their children.
"Whatever is in the best interest of that individual child, whether it is reunification or not, that is what our goal is," explained Patrick Crimmins, with Texas Child Protective Services.
Crimmins says new guidelines coming in Monday's court hearings will have parents document marriages, do DNA testing, attend parenting classes, and prove no abusers live at home.
Communal living is also suspect.
The children would remain in state custody until a judge is satisfied the parents have complied. They have until next April to comply.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
