The Canadian Polygamy Case

The British Columbia Supreme Court will be some hearing testimony on the criminalization of plural unions — an extremely important case with global ramifications. As has been my practice in past cases, I wanted to confirm my involvement in the case as a court-appointed expert on the legality of such criminal laws. Weeks ago, I was retained to submit written testimony on the right of consenting adults to plural unions under United States and international law.

My roughly 90 page affidavit has been filed with the court and I am awaiting word on whether I will be called as a live witness by B.C. Attorney-General Mike de Jong. I have been tentatively included in the list of such witnesses, but it is common to have witnesses dropped before such proceedings. A large number of polygamists and polyamorists are expected to testify.

A total of 12 groups has been granted intervenor status in the case.

Here is the caption of the case for anyone who wants to track the case:

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
IN THE MATTER OF:
THE CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTION ACT, R.S.B.C. 1986, c. 68
AND IN THE MATTER OF:
THE CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
AND IN THE MATTER OF:
A REFERENCE BY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL SET OUT IN ORDER IN COUNCIL NO. 533 DATED OCTOBER 22, 2009 CONCERNING THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF S. 293 OF THE CRIMINAL CODE OF CANADA, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46

Jonathan Turley