Posted by Howard Richman on June 03 2008 at 14:20:08:
In Reply to: Appeals court rules that this kidnapping by the TX government was illegal posted by Howard Richman on May 23 2008 at 07:43:25:
Here´s the beginning of the AP wire service story by Michelle Roberts:
SAN ANGELO, Texas — More than 400 children taken from a polygamist sect´s ranch two months ago began returning to the arms of their tearful parents Monday, hours after a judge bowed to a state Supreme Court ruling that the seizure was not justified.Howard"It´s just a great day," said Nancy Dockstader, whose chin quivered and eyes filled with tears as she embraced her 9-year-old daughter, Amy, outside a foster-care center in Gonzales, about 65 miles east of San Antonio. "We´re so grateful."
Amid the joy, a church elder announced a shift in sect policy aimed at keeping such a seizure from ever happening again: Future marriages would only involve sect members who were of legal age.
"The church will counsel families that they neither request nor consent to any underage marriages," said elder Willie Jessop, reading from a statement at the ranch in Eldorado....