'Sister Wives' family to challenge Utah bigamy law

[July 12, 2011]  SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A polygamous family with a reality TV show plans to challenge the Utah bigamy law that makes their lifestyle illegal, a Washington-based attorney says.

In an email to The Associated Press early Tuesday, attorney Jonathan Turley says he will file the lawsuit challenging Utah's bigamy law in Salt Lake City's U.S. District Court on Wednesday.

Turley represents Kody Brown and his four wives. Originally from Lehi, the family is featured on the TLC reality show "Sister Wives." They moved to Nevada in January after police launched a bigamy investigation.

Bigamy is a third-degree felony in Utah. A person can be found guilty of bigamy through cohabitation, not just legal marriage contracts.

In a statement Turley says the lawsuit will challenge the Utah's right to prosecute people for their private relationships.

[Associated Press; By JENNIFER DOBNER]

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