“I’m not trying to redefine marriage. I’m not forcing anyone to believe in polygamy. We’re only defining marriage for us. We just want legitimacy. . . . We're not even asking for acceptance, we're just asking for tolerance. Let us live our lives together without fear. . . . It's about marriage equality. You can't have this without polygamy.”For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:
-- Nathan Collier
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Also read Hollywood Mainstreams Polygamy in TV Series
-- From "Montana Polygamist Seeks ‘Legitimacy’ After Supreme Court Ruling" by Tanya Basu, Time Magazine 7/2/15
The Montana trio argue that under Friday’s landmark Supreme Court decision recognizing same-sex marriage across the country as legal, their polygamous relationship should be legally recognized and guaranteed the same rights as heterosexual and homosexual marriages. “If you read the justice’s statement, it applies to polygamists,” Collier said.
He’s referring to the dissent by Chief Justice John Roberts, who argued that the reasoning for giving same-sex couples the right to marry “would apply with equal force to the claim of a fundamental right to plural marriage.”
Spurred by Roberts’ words, the three decided to go to the courthouse Tuesday armed with the Supreme Court ruling. County clerks initially denied to give a marriage license upon learning that Collier’s marriage with Victoria had not been dissolved. But the clerk returned afterwards, saying that they would refer to the county attorney’s office before making a decision. The county’s chief civil litigator is looking to have a formal response by early next week:
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Montana man applies for polygamous marriage license" by Lori Grisham, USA TODAY Network 7/2/15
Collier met both of his wives in 1999. He married Victoria in 2000 and had a spiritual ceremony with Christine, he said. Collier now wants to legalize his marriage to both of them, he said.
Their family is not new to the public eye. They appeared on the TLC reality show Sister Wives in January.
Kevin Gillen, the Yellowstone County chief civil litigator, is reviewing Montana's bigamy laws and plans to respond next week, according to the AP.
If they deny the license application, Collier plans to get an attorney and file a civil rights lawsuit, he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Montana man seeks license for second wife" by CBS News/AP 7/1/15
Collier, 46, said that [Chief Justice John Roberts'] dissent inspired him. He owns a refrigeration business in Billings . . .
Collier said he is a former Mormon who was excommunicated for polygamy and now belongs to no religious organization. He said he and his wives hid their relationship for years, but became tired of hiding and went public by appearing on the reality cable television show "Sister Wives."
The three have seven children of their own and from previous relationships.
"It's two distinct marriages, its two distinct unions, and for us to come together and create family, what's wrong with that?" said Christine. "I don't understand why it's looked upon and frowned upon as being obscene."
Collier said he sent an email asking the ACLU of Montana to represent him in a possible lawsuit. ACLU legal director Jim Taylor said he has not seen the request.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
1 Mom, 2 Dads & Baby: ABC News Promotes Polyamory
'Husband' Impregnates Both 'Married' Lesbian Wives
Teen Girl to Marry Father in New Jersey—Incest OK
Pedophiles Win in 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
