Polygamist trailblazer Kody Brown and his four "sister wives" are taking on Utah’s law that makes their lifestyle a felony.
Through his attorney Jonathan Turley’s website, Kyle Brown announced that he will file suit on Wednesday in Salt Lake City challenging Utah’s staunch anti-bigamy laws. Brown and his large family are the stars of TLC’s reality series, Sister Wives, a vehicle the fundamentalist Mormon family embarked upon in 2010 to shed light on the truths about their religion and much maligned lifestyle.
A statement by Turley on behalf of Brown read, “We are not demanding the recognition of polygamous marriage. We are only challenging the right of the state to prosecute people for their private relations and demanding equal treatment with other citizens in living their lives according to their own beliefs.”
The family itself came under investigation for bigamy violations by the Utah County prosecutor’s office shortly after the show premiered, but Brown wasn’t charged as he’s only legally married to one of his wives.
The success of the suit is likely a long-shot, and smacks more than a little as a publicity stunt for a possible third season of the reality series, but Brown says he’s sincere in his fight to “live in any type of relationship they want.”
One of the most amazing things about the early going of the show was: why aren't these people being investigated for breaking the law? Also, as a long time viewer of Big Love I couldn't help but make endless comparisons between the fictional and reality families portrayed.
Will definitely be following this case/story to see what plays out !