Judge rejects constitutional challenge after two men found guilty of polygamy
CRANBROOK, B.C. — A judge says two men found guilty of polygamy knew the practice was illegal as she rejected a constitutional challenge on the grounds of freedom of religion and expression.
Winston Blackmore and James Oler were found guilty in B.C. Supreme Court last July of having multiple wives, but a lawyer for Blackmore argued the law infringes on charter rights.
On Friday, Justice Sheri Ann Donegan dismissed all the arguments that were made to stay the charges, including a claim of abuse of process.
Both men have been leaders in the small community of Bountiful in southeastern B.C., where court heard residents are members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which condones plural marriage.