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Trial puts spotlight on polygamy in Canada

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Canada's ban on polygamy is about to be tested as never before in a British Columbia trial, lawyers and advocates on both sides say.

The "constitutional reference" proceeding opens in the province's Supreme Court Monday and is expected to last through January at least, The Vancouver Sun reported.

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The first reference case to be heard in trial, not appellate, court, was initiated by British Columbia Attorney General Mike de Jong to clarify how to deal with the fundamentalist Mormon community of Bountiful.

If Chief Justice Robert Bauman rules for legalization, Canada would become the first country in the developed world to allow multiple marriage and a likely magnet for U.S. fundamentalist Mormons, along with Muslims, Wiccans and secular polyamorists.

The decision, whichever way it goes, is likely go on the provincial Court of Appeal and eventually the Supreme Court of Canada. And Parliament could still have the last word.

Some witnesses will testify anonymously or behind screens so they won't incriminate themselves for future prosecution.

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