Lawyers select jurors at trial against 2 FLDS towns

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Phoenix • A jury has been selected at a trial that will examine allegations that polygamous towns on the Arizona-Utah line have discriminated against people who aren't part of the communities' dominant religious sect.

Opening arguments are scheduled for Wednesday in the U.S. Justice Department's lawsuit against Colorado City, Ariz., and Hildale, Utah — collectively known as Short Creek.

Both towns are accused of acting as an arm of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The sect broke away from mainstream Mormonism when it disavowed polygamy more than 100 years ago.

The towns deny the allegations and say religion isn't a motivating factor in their decisions.

Prospective jurors from northern Arizona were asked about whether they've experienced religious discrimination and distinguish between the towns and the religion.

Last week, a federal judge ruled that FLDS Bishop Lyle Jeffs will not have to testify at the trial.