Polygamists Sue State, Yellowstone County
The Billings Gazette reports that a U.S. District Court judge has ruled against a Montana polygamous trio who sought a marriage license two and a half years ago in the wake of the legalization of gay marriage.
Nathan, Vicki and Christine Collier filed suit in federal court in 2015 after Yellowstone County denied an application for a marriage license between Nathan and his second wife. 49-year-old Nathan and 41-year-old Christine had a religious wedding ceremony in 2007 but did not apply for a civil license in order to avoid bigamy charges, according to Nathan’s statement to the Associated Press.
Nathan and his 45-year-old first wife, Vicki– married in 2000– own a refrigeration business together. The Colliers named Gov. Steve Bullock, Attorney General Tim Fox, Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito and Clerk of District Court Terry Halpin in their complaint.