Authorities had no right to seize children from polygamist sect: U.S. court

[lonster]

C/P the Calgary Sun
UPDATED: 2008-05-22 13:05:49 MST


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN ANGELO, Texas — A U.S. state court has ruled that child welfare officials have no right to seize more than 400 children living at a polygamist sect’s ranch in Texas.

The Third Court of Appeals in Austin ruled that the reasons for removing the children were “legally and factually insufficient” under Texas law.

The court did not immediately order the return of the children, however.

Child welfare officials removed the children on the grounds that the sect pushed underage girls into marriage and sex and trained boys to become future perpetrators.

The appellate court ruled the chaotic hearing held last month did not demonstrate the children were in any immediate danger.

[basscat02]

When a medical team determined that almost all of the females between 8 and 13 y.o. were no longer virgins and that 76% of the girls between 13 and 15 y.o. have already given childbirth, I have a problem with that.
Keep those kids (under age 18) out of that GOD-Forsaken place

[lonster]

I agree Basscat.......

But how many girls in OUR society in the same age group have children. Or have been pregnant and terminated the pregnancy?

The best interest of the children needs to be taken. But we should not throw stones at glass buildings.

Its too hard to judge what really happened or is happening there. An open minded approach with mediation is needed for the rights of those who need to be protected because they are minors. Or for the people who are caught in the crossfire.

Teen pregnancy is a problem that has affected most North American families.

My mom was young when she had kids and Im sure allot of other people's parents are the same.

There is no excusing abuse in any form, but tearing apart a family under false pretenses is also unacceptable.

[basscat02]

Great points, lon, but using a "church" as a decoy for child molestation is what they are doing. You can't say"look at what is going on all over the country, why can't we do it too", These people think that just because these chidren are theirs then they can do whatever they want with them. In this society where a parent can be sued by their children for " spanking" them, we need to draw the line somewhere

[lonster]

Basscat what you say is true,

Two of the most secretive groups have clashed. Its a hard situation morally because we all know of stories of "people who do bad things" in both the church and the government.

When a group is known for "telling people what they want them to know" it becomes hard to trust them.

I do not pass judgment upon a person for their religious or political views, I try to remain open minded while educating myself and forming my opinions.

Governments and Churches are known for scandals and secrecy. I choose to understand people make mistakes. Some live up to them and move forward, Others would rather point a finger and destroy lives in an attempt to remain "squeaky clean".

I do not mean to offend any person or group, by sharing my opinion.

I do not condone any activity that harms children in any way. Nor do I condone self serving motivations that destroy lives.

Lonster

[basscat02]

Well said friend, I can respect that

[jose2001]

is 100% treu