James Oler
James Oler is the bishop of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church) in Canada, and a practicing polygamist.[1][2] The polygamy case brought against Oler is considered "the first major test of Canada's polygamy law."[3]
FLDS schism in Canada
James Oler is the current bishop of the Canadian FLDS, who are centered in Bountiful, British Columbia, Canada.[4] In 2002, Winston Blackmore was excommunicated from the FLDS, and the community of Bountiful, where most members live, divided between Blackmore and Warren Jeffs.[2] Following this schism, Jeffs appointed Oler as the new bishop.[5]
Polygamy trial in Canada
Oler and Winston Blackmore were arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in January 2009 and charged with polygamy.[6] The charges were thrown out later, owing to questions about how the Crown selected its prosecutors.[6] On 23 September 2009, "Criminal polygamy charges against Winston Blackmore and Oler are thrown out by B.C. Supreme Court Judge Sunni Stromberg-Stein."
Notes
- ↑ "More FLDS underage marriages alleged in Canada". The Salt Lake Tribune. 25 February 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
- 1 2 "Religious schism tore Bountiful apart, wife tells Blackmore tax trial". The Vancouver Sun. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
- ↑ "Canadian polygamy charges dismissed". Reuters. 23 September 2009. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
- ↑ "FLDS bishops take appeal to Utah Supreme Court". The Deseret News. 30 November 2010. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
- ↑ "B.C. Supreme Court rules polygamy ban is constitutional, but flawed". The National Post. 11 November 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
- 1 2 The Canadian Press (11 August 2011). "B.C. polygamy evidence helps Warren Jeffs conviction". CBC.ca. Retrieved 2012-02-25.