Idaho Bans “Five Wives Vodka” As Insulting To Mormons

As we put the finishing touches on the summary judgment motion and brief in the Sister Wives case, a friend sent me this story out of Idaho. Five Wives Vodka has been told by the state of Idaho that it will ban the booze as insulting to the large Mormon population.

The vodka is produced by Ogden’s Own Distillery in Utah. However, Idaho State Liquor Division administrator Jeff Anderson said the brand is offensive to Mormons. The decision limits the speech rights of the distillery to satisfy a powerful group in the state — Mormons make up more than a quarter of Idaho’s population. What is striking is not just the first amendment violation but the question of equal protection and due process. There is a Utah beer named Polygamy Porter that is available in Idaho.

Source: Spokesman