Estimated read time: Less than a minute
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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah prosecutors say a polygamous family made famous by a reality TV show won't face charges if a law against plural marriage stands.
The Utah Attorney General argued in court documents filed Wednesday that the "Sister Wives" stars can't challenge the law because they've never been prosecuted. Kody Brown and his four wives say they were nevertheless labeled criminals and driven from the state.
The state is appealing a ruling that struck down a key part of Utah's bigamy law forbidding cohabitation. A federal judge found it violated the Browns' freedom of religion.
Even though the state has a long-standing policy against prosecuting consenting adult polygamists, prosecutors argue the law helps them go after those who do commit abuses.
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments on Jan. 21.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
