Liberty Legal Files Brief in Polygamist Case: Watch Out for Parental Rights and Church Autonomy

Dallas, TX-Today, Liberty Legal Institute field an amicus brief in the West Texas polygamy case, Sara Steed, et al., advising the Texas Third Court of Appeals against hasty judgments that could violate the parental rights of all Texans or trample upon religious freedom.

“This is not about choosing a side, it’s about protecting the foundational freedoms of parents and churches in the midst of a very pressured situation for the courts,” said Hiram Sasser, Director of Litigation for Liberty Legal Institute.

The case of Sara Steed, et al. encompasses allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse that have emerged out of a recent law enforcement raid upon a West Texas ranch occupied by a sect of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The court’s decision will determine future custody of children raised within the West Texas religious sect.

In its amicus brief, LLI warns the Court of Appeals to apply a standard of strict scrutiny when determining whether to take custody of a child away from his/her parent, unless the state presents evidence to establish sexual exploitation or abuse exists. This same standard applies to a church, which has autonomy to operate according to its beliefs unless improper sexual conduct occurs, or the state has a compelling interest in overcoming an imminent threat to public or private health and safety.

“The key for the court is to follow the proper procedure and protect the rights of all parents in the process. Otherwise, every Texan loses their freedoms and the standard of protection is lowered for everyone,” said Kelly Shackelford, Chief Counsel for Liberty Legal Institute. 

CLICK HERE to read the brief.

Liberty Legal Institute is the leading legal advocacy group for religious freedom and parental rights in Texas, winning two landmark religious freedom cases before the Texas Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Liberty Legal Institute is a legal organization committed to the defense of religious freedoms and First Amendment rights. The Institute has won a myriad of cases at the highest levels, including two landmark religious freedoms cases in 2007 alone. For more information, visit our website at www.libertylegal.org.

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