In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

B.C. upholds polygamy laws

(CBC) B.C. Supreme Court's Chief Justice Robert Bauman has ruled that polygamy will remain illegal. However, he suggested the law not be used to criminalize minors. He said the crux of the issue was about harm, and preventing harm was worth the infringement on religious freedom. The case was sparked by the failed 2009 prosecution of two men from the religious community of Bountiful, B.C. Polyamorist - those who are involved with multiple partners in a non-religious way, will be free from the law unless they make their unions legal. Opponents of the law say it criminalizes the actions of consenting adults.

Image shows Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah is the main centre of activity for the Church of Latter Day Saints. (Photo: Kathleen Müller)

1.

An in-depth look at the polygamist community in Bountiful, B.C.

Bountiful: How a bitter power struggle turned family against family in this notorious polygamous community in British Columbia
The CBC's fifth estate presents a comprehensive look of the situation and issues surrounding Bountiful, B.C., a polygamist community of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The site chronicles news dating back to 2003 with updates through to at least 2008. You can also view video, a historical photo gallery of Bountiful and a timeline focusing on the B.C. community. The feature's background information is in-depth with interview profiles of key players including man of 26 wives, Winston Blackmore.

2.

Mormon polygamy explained

Polygamy: The Mormon Enigma
This website uses information from E. Keith Howick's book Polygamy: The Mormon Enigma. Howick is a Juris Doctor of Law who was educated at the University of Utah, who has lectured extensively on Mormon history and Latter-day Saints Church doctrine. The site is clearly divided and tries to present a broad cross-section of the issues. The historical overview is extensive, covering history, doctrine, legal battles, and bibliographies. The site also gives a chronology of polygamy and reading group topics.

3.

Gateway to the polygamy movement

Truthbearer
Truthbearer, introduced as the "gateway to the polygamy movement," is run by pro-polygamy advocate Mark Henkel. The site includes a thorough description of his position with detailed quotes available for media use. The site defends polygamy both biblically and historically, as well as in a contemporary and media-based context. A video of Henkel defending pro-polygamist views on Fox News can be viewed on the main page, and shares lists of news updates on polygamist incidents and rulings from both perspectives and in varying medias.

4.

Anti-polygamy in Canada

Stop polygamy in Canada
Here is the anti-polygamy voice with a collection of information aimed at stopping polygamy in Canada. Stop Polygamy in Canada has applied to become a registered society in Alberta and was founded by Nancy Mereska in 2003. Mereska's site is transparent, including a lot of founding information and backing documents. The site gives news and legal updates, stories by journalists, both research and opinion, and a petition that visitors can sign to demand a stop to polygamy in B.C. The site is full of links to blogs and book reviews, among other material. It provides prompt commentary on up-to-date issues.

5.

Polygamy: a woman’s best friend

Polygrrl
Polygrrrl is a personal experience blog written by a polygamous woman. The site takes a distinctly positive view of polygamy. She shares her feelings and thoughts on a great range of topics such as her changing views on polygamy, sister wife jealousy, living arrangements, thoughts on the dominant culture of monogamy and so on. Blog posts put the reader in the day-to-day life of polygamy, and she tells her personal story as well as her story as a sister wife. Nice features include FAQs, advice, and commentary on TLC's program Sister Wives. There is also a list of social networking sites for polygamists and links to other articles and blogs.