A polygamous family and subject of the TLC reality show “Sister Wives” are arguing that the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same sex marriage shows that consensual adult relationships should be legally recognized, even if they are not traditional, reports CVT News.
Kody Brown and his four wives Meri, Janelle, Christine and Robyn argue that their polygamous union is just as healthy as a monogamous relationship between two people. They cite their TV show as evidence.
Attorney Jonathan Turley wrote in court documents filed on Wednesday that the family is prepared to go the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. He said:
“The Browns were investigated and no crimes or harm was found in their plural family.”
The Brown family is defending a previous legal victory in 2013, leading to a federal judge striking down key parts of Utah’s polygamy law. Polygamy advocates described the ruling a significant decision that allowed plural families to live peacefully in the state.
The Brown’s court filing is a challenge to that of General Sean Reyes, a Utah Attorney, who appealed the 2013 decision, saying courts have long upheld laws banning polygamy because they work to avoid the abuse of women and children.
Thai divorce lawyers Chaninat and Leeds have decades of experience successfully handling divorce cases, both between Thai nationals, and foreigners in Thailand.
Turley said:
“From the rejection of morality legislation in Lawrence to the expansion of the protections of liberty interests in Obergefell, it is clear that states can no longer use criminal codes to coerce or punish those who choose to live in consensual but unpopular unions. This case is about criminalization of consensual relations and there are 21st century cases rather than 19th century cases that control.”
The Browns are not looking for full legal recognition of their plural marriage, unlike same-sex marriages. Utah’s bigamy law prohibits multiple marriages; however families can cohabit under freedom of religion laws.
Most polygamous marriages have the man legally married to one woman and “spiritually married” to further wives.
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