Commentary

30,000 Mormon Polygamists

Misstatement:

"...it is estimated that approximately 30,000 Mormons live in polygamous households in Utah."

Fact:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discontinued the practice of polygamy more than a century ago. No members of the Church today can enter into polygamy without being excommunicated. Groups that practice polygamy have nothing to do whatsoever with the Church and should not be referred to as Mormons.

 

Other related corrections and clarifications:

“Mormon fundamentalists” and Polygamy, Various media outlets, 6 February 2004

Tom Green, Polygamist coverage, BBC, Australian newspapers, 5 September 2002

Mormon Tom Green, Court TV, 3 June 2002

Fundamentalist Mormons, The Toronto Star, 6 February 2002

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.