Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
John Hollenhorst ReportingThe investigation of polygamist Warren Jeffs in the United States seems to have turned up the heat for polygamists in Canada as well. Concerns about growing legal pressure have apparently prompted that country's most prominent polygamist to wage a public relations campaign in recent weeks.
When we visited British Columbia two years ago, several FLDS polygamists defended their beliefs.
Duane Palmer, August 2004: "Well, our fundamental beliefs are following after the teachings of Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon. That's what's important to us."
But their leader avoided us, as he used to do with most reporters. Lately, though, Winston Blackmore has been more out-in-the-open, and it may have a lot to do with Utah fugitive Warren Jeffs.
Blackmore once was the top FLDS leader in Canada, until Jeffs forced him out. Blackmore has been helping US investigators probe into the secrets of Jeffs' group. Some of Blackmore's allies have urged him to publicly emphasize his distance from Jeffs.
Recently he's spoken up at news events, such as a Vancouver meeting between the Attorneys General of Utah and British Columbia.
Winston Blackmore, Canadian Polygamist: "Well, I think the attorney general should make sure he doesn't discriminate against us as polygamists."
Last month he held a news conference at his Canadian compound, putting forth polygamist wives to speak favorably about their lifestyle.
Polygamist Wife: "We would like to see some mutual respect for our beliefs."
Blackmore's legal troubles are undoubtedly pushing him to be more public. Three of his wives are facing deportation orders, and Blackmore himself predicted he'll be charged with sex crimes. He admits marrying at least two girls under age 16.
Winston Blackmore, Canadian Polygamist: "There was one that was, and one that lied about her age. But that's not unusual for women, is it?"
Wally Oppal, British Columbia Attorney General: "What we're really concerned about here, aside from the polygamy issue, is whether or not there's any evidence of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation young people."
It's a familiar controversy on the US side of the border: whether religious freedom has become a shield for child abusers. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms contains strong guarantees of religious liberty. Some say that may prevent prosecution.
