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The important difference, as I see it, between the FLDS and the larger society is the forced marriages. Regardless of age, one has the right to decide who they will marry, and when, according to their state law.

To cite examples of countries which believe in arranged marriages carries no weight in the U.S. That is not a part of our culture.

It's a fact that marriage has been seriously abused in this country and, probably most other countries. It's a disgrace and certainly not victimless. No one wants Big Brother to step in and end the nonsense with new laws. Ha, ha. Big Brother is knee-deep in this crap, also.

The important difference, as I see it, between the FLDS and the larger society is the forced marriages.

Indeed, if they are truly forced. They may have evolved to that with the latest, and now deposed, "prophet". But as I said on a earlier post, I've seen reports that they were arranged, but not forced. Of course, as in other societies with arranged marriages, parents can be pretty persuasive.

And of course any religion is no excuse for violating the statute law..provided the law in question is itself not violation Constitutionally guaranteed freedom religion. That is certainly not the case with underage "marriages" and sex with children.