Monday night plural marriage advocates are celebrating.
"This is something we've wanted for years," said Anne Wilde, former polygamist wife.
In the case with reality TV star and polygamist Kody Brown and his "Sister Wives" a federal judge struck down part of Utah's anti-polygamy law. The family had filed a lawsuit against it, and Monday the judge eliminated words that prohibit cohabitation.
"Judge Waddoup said that the only way that you can be prosecuted in Utah is if you have more than one marriage license," said Jonathan Turley, Brown Attorney.
While some polygamists are claiming victory, one attorney said not so fast. Attorney Doug White said although some of the wording in Utah's law has changed, being a polygamist in Utah is still illegal.
"If you're married once you cannot by definition be married again," said Doug White, Former Prosecutor.
Mormon Fundamentalist advocates issued this statement, which reads in part - "The impact of this decision is both immediate and yet to be realized," said the Principle Rights Coalition.
How the ruling will legally affect Utah polygamist families is being debated, but for now some like Anne Wilde said it helps her hold her head a little higher.
"It's really a relief it's like a big burden being removed," said Wilde.
As far as the legal ramifications, the Utah Attorney General's Office said they will be meeting Tuesday to discuss the ruling. They can decide whether or not they will seek to appeal.
As a side note, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also published an article Monday about Plural Marriage on its website. When Reporter Brian Carlson talked to a church spokesperson, he said it has nothing to do with Monday's ruling.
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