Polygamy

Re “Teen’s Story Unleashes Furor Over Polygamy,” Aug. 15: Ordinarily, one respects another person’s religion, but when the believer’s behavior becomes so vile and destructive of other people’s lives and of society we feel we must intervene. What must our compassionate savior think of a Christian church sanctioning the rape of young girls? Some would preserve sexual slavery and give its victims a “choice” when to enter concubinage and when to leave it. “Freedom of choice” isn’t relevant here since slavery is against the law. Legal consent in these situations is a sham; a concubine knows what happens when she says no.

There is no point in preserving an institution that must inevitably give rise to so many crimes. I urge the immediate passage of a no-nonsense federal law against concubinage. It would help put a stop to much incest and sexual abuse nationwide. Personally, I’m horrified at the way absolute evil expects protection under the 1st Amendment and gets it!

ALICIA TANNER, North Hollywood