The British Columbia Supreme Court found two men guilty for violating Canada’s polygamy laws. Both men identify as members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and believe that their polygamous marriages were done in observance of their faith. 60-year-old Winston Blackmore was married to 25 women at one time while 53-year-old James Oler was married to five women at the same time. Under Canadian law, both men have to serve five years in prison for violating these laws.
The Mormon Church disavowed polygamy back in the late 19th century after facing scrutiny from the United States government. Church President Wilford Woodruff wrote the following proclamation in the subsequent Manifesto:
.png)
.png)
