Defense begins case in trial against polygamous towns
Source: Associated Press
Defense begins case in trial against polygamous towns
Terry Tang, Associated Press
Updated 6:33 pm, Wednesday, February 10, 2016
PHOENIX (AP) — The mayor of a polygamous town in Utah accused of functioning as an arm of a polygamous church said Wednesday that he has never discriminated based on religion.
Hildale Mayor Philip Barlow made the statement during a day of testimony in a federal civil rights trial against his town and Colorado City, Arizona. Lawyers for both cities are fighting allegations made by the U.S. Justice Department that the cities discriminate against people who aren't members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by denying them housing, water services and police protection.
"I represent every citizen of that town. I don't go on the City Council for my own agenda," said Barlow, who was the first witness to be called by the towns. "I made the decision I wasn't going to be influenced. I want to do the right thing. I feel like I have."
Police officers are accused of failing to investigate crimes against nonbelievers and assisting leader Warren Jeffs while he was a fugitive on charges of arranging marriages between girls and older men.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Defense-begins-case-in-trial-against-polygamous-6821307.php
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