Free Innocent FLDS Children Now!

[Bethie]

(I hope this thread is not against site rules, it is not political and it is not against LDS teachings. It is only Constitutional and compassionate.)

We've all heard and seen the recent media circus concerning the Texas Raid on the FLDS 'Polygamy Cult' at their YFZ Ranch Compound in Eldorado, Texas. Now, the media circus has moved to a courthouse in San Antonio, Texas, where over 1000 participants have assembled to try and work out this situation "for the best interests of the children." This national travesty continues following the State of Texas' unprecedented, unconstitutional action of removing 416 innocent children from their homes.

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http://dayofpraise.blogspot.com/

Regardless of how one feels about the FLDS or polygamy the fact is that the law in Texas is being broken. There are children as young as 13 who are pregnant.The FLDS HAVE broken the law and committed child abuse according to the laws of the state they chose to live in. The state has a legal obligation to protect those children. The children are innocent of any crime but according to Texas law crimes are being committed against them and they have to take action to protect them. The crimes being committed against them are in fact child abuse according to the laws there. Why should any religious group not have to follow the laws of the place they choose to live in?

[lisajo]

The law is the Law! I feel for some of the Mothers and they are nieve of the world outside them, but I dont and never will believe it is ok for a child to marry and have children!

[VisionOfLehi]

Online petitions only matter online.

I.E. the "real" world doesn't really care.

[Shell72]

Originally Posted by Breezy

Regardless of how one feels about the FLDS or polygamy the fact is that the law in Texas is being broken. There are children as young as 13 who are pregnant.The FLDS HAVE broken the law and committed child abuse according to the laws of the state they chose to live in. The state has a legal obligation to protect those children. The children are innocent of any crime but according to Texas law crimes are being committed against them and they have to take action to protect them. The crimes being committed against them are in fact child abuse according to the laws there. Why should any religious group not have to follow the laws of the place they choose to live in?

EXACTLY!!!

I hope those children NEVER return to that compound.

[WillowTheWhisp]

I hope they are able to be put in contact with their mothers.

I haven't seen comprehensive news coverage so I don't know much about the ages of girls who are married or pregnant but I do know that I saw women weeping because they had told their children they would return for them and then were prevented from doing so. I do feel it could have been handled a whole lot better.

[Rebmik]

The initial allegation, as I understand it, is that children under the age of 16 were being forced or required to marry. My understanding is that in Texas, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to marry, regardless of parental consent. However --- the media has referred repeatedly to "spiritual marriage". If no attempt were made to perform a legally binding marriage, the law prohibiting the marriage of someone under the age of 16 would not have been broken.

However, there are other laws to consider. I am certain Texas has statutory rape laws, regardless of what they are called. Engaging in sexual activity with someone under the legal age of consent would be a crime. Depending on what the age of consent is in Texas, that would be where "children as young as 13 who are pregnant" fit in as evidence of criminal behavior.

I understand that there are also allegations of abuse and neglect of the children. I'm not sure of the terminology in Texas, but the allegations against (most of) the mothers are likely to be along the lines of "failure to protect". At least, according to the news reports I've seen.

As a lawyer and former judge, I have grave concerns about the constitutionality of the hearing that is taking place at this time. Nonetheless, I understand why the judge is attempting to hear the cases together and handle things the way she is. I don't agree with it --- but I understand why she is doing it that way. I am glad that so many attorneys came forward to represent clients there pro bono. I would, but I am not licensed in Texas.

My biggest concerns are for the children. No matter what happens, they are the ones to suffer. This is all very traumatic for them. I feel for the children and keep them in my prayers. I also keep the parents in my prayers too. I pray that the innocent are healed and comforted and that the hearts of the perpetrators are softened to repentance. I pray for the judge, for child protective services workers, for the attorneys, for those providing services. May they have wisdom and guidance. May the children be protected and healed.

[User-Removed]

The Jeffs Cult are lawbreakers...

I'm gobsmacked that there are actually people who'd shed a tear for them?????

[john doe]

I thought they were freed just recently. They were taken away from those who would give and take them in marriage at young ages with no choice in the matter. The children have been freed from the pedophiles who have been controlling them.

[prisonchaplain]

Some have portrayed this action as an anti-Christian, anti-Religion police-state action. In the long run, this incident may serve to protect religious freedom. By distinguishing between an illegal pedaphilic commune that baptized it's gross immorality with biblical dressing, true faith can shine brighter. Let's give our fellow citizens credit for seeing some spiritual nuance. And...let's keep in mind that God may have used TX law enforcement to avoid another Waco-like Doomsday scenario.