The TV series Big Love may had its final episode, but real life polygamy is still on the air and on trial. The multi-wived faithful will soon learn whether their polygamous way of life is legal in Canada. A B.C. judge will rule Wednesday if Canada’s anti-polygamy laws are unconstitutional.
The polygamous commune in Bountiful, B.C. has lived in defiance of this hundred and twenty one year old law since 1946. The courts have failed to prosecute two of the community’s leaders thus far.
The thousand Bountiful faithful believe that multiple wives will lead them to the highest realms of heaven. The religion has been accused of child marriage and sexual assault. The court has heard evidence of cross border marriages of teenagers as young as 12. The group claims that Canada’s anti-polygamy laws are archaic and need modernization.