This was the second effort to dismiss the case without a ruling on the constitutionality of the statute by the government. The first motion to dismiss was based on a claim of lack of injury. This second motion to dismiss is based on the claim that the matter is now moot. The government asked the Court not to rule on the constitutionality of the state law in light of recent changes in policy.
The court holds:
Mr. Buhman’s non-prosecution policy was implemented more than eighteen months after the alleged conduct that gave rise to this suit occurred. As discussed above, the timing of the policy implementation, lack of any public notice, and lack of reasoning given for adopting the policy suggest that the policy was implemented, not to provide a remedy to Plaintiffs in this case, but instead to evade review of Plaintiffs’ claims on the merits. Moreover, the policy implemented by Mr. Buhman does not provide Plaintiffs with all the relief they are seeking. It has already been established that the policy at issue is insufficient to alleviate the risk that Plaintiffs will be prosecuted or threatened with prosecution for their violation of Utah’s anti- bigamy statute in the future. Plaintiffs are seeking a declaration from the court that the statute is unconstitutional and a permanent injunction against enforcing the statute against them “on the basis of their consensual plural family association.” Civil Rights Complaint 39 (Dkt. No. 1).
Plaintiffs are also seeking relief under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for injury they claim to have suffered because of threats of prosecution. The policy of Mr. Buhman’s office falls far short of providing Plaintiffs with all the relief they seek.
As previously noted, I must remain circumspect in any public comments on the case since I am serving as lead counsel for the Brown family. However, on behalf of the Browns and the legal team, I wish to express our thanks to the Court in clearing the way for a ruling on constitutionality of the anti-Bigamy statute. While our opposing counsel Mr. Jensen and Mr. Roberts should be credited with an impressive and determined defense of their client, this decision shows that there will be no alternative to a ruling on the merits in this case. I am grateful for the inspired work of our legal team including Adam Alba, Geoffrey Turley (no relation), Matthew Radler and Gina D’Andrea.
The decision does not indicate how the court will rule on the merits of the challenge and both parties will be given an opportunity to argue the myriad of constitutional issues raised by the Brown family. Regardless of the outcome on the summary judgment motions now scheduled by the Court, both the Brown family and the people of Utah can now expect a ruling on the power of the state to criminalize private relations among consenting adults. It is a day that the Browns and many plural families have waited a long time to see in Utah. They are profoundly thankful to Judge Waddoups for allowing that day to come.
Jonathan Turley
Here is the opinion: Order Denying Motion to Dismiss