Missouri Legislators give their thoughts on polygamy
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Missouri Legislators give their thoughts on polygamy

Date: April 16, 2008
By: Max Hyman
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: Missouri Republicans agree that polygamous relationships are wrong but how the state deals with children in those cases is a delicate matter. 

Max Hyman (HIGH-man) has more from Jefferson City.

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OutCue: SOC

O'Fallon Republican Representative Cynthia Davis says polygamous relationships are wrong and offensive to women.

But when it comes to how children should be handled in those relationships, she says they should stay put.

Actuality:  DAVIS1.WAV
Run Time: 00:09
Description: I don't think that helps the situation to remove children from their mothers. Those children have a right to be with their moms at least.


Fellow Republican Senator Matt Bartle agrees with Davis and says he views taking children out of their homes in the same light as capitol punishment.

Actuality:  BART2.WAV
Run Time: 00:05
Description: Next to the death penalty, that's the most dramatic action that a state can take.


Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Max Hyman. KMOX News.

Intro: State legislators address polygamy and how the state deals with children in multi spouse households.

Max Hyman (HIGH-man) has more from Jefferson City.

RunTime:0:42
OutCue: SOC

St. Louis Democratic Representative Jeanette Oxford says there are times when the state needs to evaluate whether or not children are unharmed in questionable situations.

Actuality:  MOTT1.WAV
Run Time: 00:09
Description: It might be wise to check into the children's well being. But they need to be in a safe setting with a trusted adult, basically.

But Republican Representative Cynthia Davis says taking children out of their mom's home could lead to psychological damage.

Actuality:  DAVIS2.WAV
Run Time: 00:09
Description: You are creating some emotional trauma that will last his entire life and the children are wondering what they did wrong that they're having to suffer through this.

Polygamy is illegal in the state of Missouri.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Max Hyman. KMOX News.