The mayor of a polygamous town in Utah has taken the stand in the case against them and Colorado City, Arizona as they are accused of discriminating other people based on religion. However, the mayor maintained his innocence saying he has never discriminated anyone based on their beliefs.
In a report by The Salt Lake Tribune, Hildale Mayor Philip Barlow made the statement on Wednesday during a day of testimony for a federal civil rights trial against his town and Colorado City, Arizona.
United States Justice Department said both Hildale and Colorado City, Arizona have discriminated people who are not part of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints through denying them housing, water services, and even police protection, ABC News reported.
Barlow stated his appearance on the stand is a representation of every citizen in their town and going on the City Council is not for his own agenda. He added, "I made the decision I wasn't going to be influenced. I want to do the right thing. I feel like I have."
Justice Department attorney Sean Keveney pointed out during the trial that a 2006 executive session of Hildale city officials took place even before Barlow became a part of the council. The records say officials proposed Barlow to be part of the council even if there was one other candidate that was more experienced than he was. When questioned if that was a form of discrimination, he said that it was not necessarily counted in that scenario.
More on the police protection, Daily Mail reported that police officers are accused of failing to investigate the crimes made against the non-believers. Officials are also accused of aiding the group's leader, Warren Jeffs, when he was a fugitive due to charges of arranging marriage between young girls and older men.
The citizens of both cities believe that the government is discriminating against them based on their belief. However, they were firm to deny the allegations against them adding that their actions are not influenced by their religion.
Barlow has been the mayor of Hildale since 2011. Prosecutors have been trying to have him admit that their religion played a role in city businesses and the aforementioned accusations.
