Dad sues to teach daughter about polygamy

CNN ^ | Monday, December 8, 2003 | Associated Press

[.cnI redruM]

Stanley Shepp wants the right to teach his daughter about polygamy and his religious beliefs.

HALLAM, Pennsylvania (AP) -- Tracey L. Roberts isn't trying to stop her ex-husband from voicing his support of polygamy, a belief that broke up their marriage.

[weegee]

This isn't the "practice" of an illegal activity. The courts (and Amazon.com) have defended the publication of books that detail how to make drugs and how to seduce children.

His instructing his daughter in the ways of polygamy is "education". If there is sexual assault going on, that is unrelated to the "education".

If he were shacking up with one, two, or six unmarried honeys he'd be okay is today's America. If he were shacking up with male lover he'd be okay in today's America. If he and his next wife were engaging in wife swapping orgies, that would be okay in today's America (remember the backlash that the press got for revealing that the parents of an abducted daughter were "swinging" the night of her abduction).

Letting this be controlled by the courts does help to set precedent that adults can't teach their children about a different religion (it is all indoctrination, as are the parents that haul their kids to political protests and get them to hold political placards).

[weegee]

Ah, but the goal of polygamy is about having lots of kids. It's good for those seeking cheap (free) labor (like on farms).

In some countries that still permit polygamy, there are also mistresses and even sex slaves. Polygamy isn't about finding another "perfect wife" or having lots of sex.

[Doctor Stochastic]

Abraham had fewer mothers-in-law than wives. It helps to marry sisters (but that's not as good for genetic diversity.)

[BlueNgold]

This is a civil matter beng brought to the courts, not a government intrusion. Were the courts or the government to interject themselves without a complain from a citizen with legal standing then I would oppose it vehemently. But that is not the case. Everything the courts decide is not government intereference, some thngs are brought to the courts that they would just as soon never get involved in, as I believe is the case here.

Freedom of religion does not extend to all activities supported by said religion. A religious belief in 'naturalism' does not allow one to smoke pot legally, or to give it to children. As long as the case, and the ruling, remain this narrow I believe the courts should take the case and rule appropriately in protecting the child.
Narrow meaning: civil complain by a citizen with standing contesting the indoctrination of a child into activity illegal at the time of the complaint.

[Eastbound]

"Also, since the male/female ratio is about 1:1, does that mean that not all men can have a happy afterlife, since there just aren't enough women to go around?"

That brings up an interesting point. Is it true that there are no marriages in heaven?

[isatoi]

This just blows the mind for me. The male libido seems to be the one that deteriorates before the females, so WHY ON EARTH would we give him more than one wife????????

[js1138]

That does not turn out well.

[Mr. Bird]

Insert "tax evasion" where "polygamy" is mentioned, and the issue appears to be absurd. Unless you are actually evading taxes, there is nothing illegal about speaking of it, or even saying that one day you hope to do it. Let's just set aside the religion component, which I think is the weakest leg of the case. Why would the illegal act of polygamy be subject to broader enforcement a la "thought crime"?

[Prodigal Son]

The liberal's support of gay marriage certainly does cause a lot of other ideas to pop up, doesn't it?

LOL, I hardly think polygamy is a new concept.

[FITZ]

Isn't this infringing on his freedom of speech?

Technically other things like teaching her about incest would be also.

[fishtank]

"But some fundamentalist Mormons continue to believe in polygamy"

Should have read: "But some faithful Mormons continue to believe in polygamy"

[weegee]

Teaching his daughter about masturbation would probably also have been declared sexual abuse and the corruption of a minor yet if Joycelyn Elders' had her way, kids would have been taught it in schools (techniques, not just the word). I guess that parents should just sign their kids over to the state.

[itsahoot]

That brings up an interesting point. Is it true that there are no marriages in heaven?

Absolutely true, from the mouth of the Savior Himself.

[itsahoot]

I guess that parents should just sign their kids over to the state.

And what makes you think we haven't already done that? the Federal Department of Education was just the first step. Schools are now the gateway to slavery, not the freedom it gave to post depression era students.

[longtermmemmory]

(s) as long as they like to have sex, the Mass SC says its ok. (/s)

[tracer]

He probably wants to marry said daughter......

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

A man can't teach his daughter about his religious beliefs? That is wrong. No matter how weird they are his beliefs. I know of a number of religious beliefs that are much weirder then polygamy which was, in its day, a useful social construct that allowed there to be large families without forcing one woman to do all the bearing and raising of the children. Not to mention all the housework.

A woman can not teach her daughter that the mother's former relationship was sinful. In fact she must never allow the girl to go anywhere that she might hear it.

Just as wrong. The court should have no more right to tell a divorced parent what they may teach a child then they do a married one.

[Grig]

Whatever ruling is made in this case could one day be used for or agaisnt Christians that want to teach their kids that homosexuality is a sin or any other non-PC doctrine. A ruling that does the right thing for the wrong reason leaves the door open to later doing the wrong thing for the same wrong reason.

[JonathansMommie]

>>>I'm not sure but he certainly gets six mother-in-laws. Can you imagine that?>>>

Yikes!! I can barely tolerate my One Mother in law.let alone Six..

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Roberts' lawyer, Richard K. Konkel, said learning about polygamy from her father could put Kaylynne at risk of "child abuse and sexual abuse and whatever else."

I wonder if polygamy wives regard their arrangements with their common husband as sexual abuse? Not that I'd recomment polygamy or polyandry, but what does that have to do with sexual abuse or child abuse? Isn't Mr. Konkel, Esq. reaching a bit?