Phoenix • A jury on Thursday entered its second day of deliberations at a trial against two cities in Arizona and Utah accused of functioning as agents of a polygamous sect.
The U.S. Justice Department alleges that Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, discriminate against people who aren't members of the sect by denying them housing, water services and police protection.
The towns deny the allegations and accuse the federal government of persecuting town officials because it disapproves of their religion.
Jurors will decide whether the communities have discriminated against nonbelievers and, if so, whether six people should be financially compensated for emotional distress.
If the jury concludes the cities committed constitutional violations, U.S. Judge Russel Holland could later impose remedies.
A pedestrian walks past the Sandra Day O'Connor United States District Court where a federal civil rights trial against two polygamous towns on the Arizona-Utah border is set to begin, Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, in Phoenix. The jury selection is set to begin Tuesday at the trial that will examine allegations that the towns discriminated against people who aren't part of the communities' dominant religious sect. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Attorney Jeff Matura, representing the town of Colorado City, Ariz., and other defense attorneys arrive at the Sandra Day O'Connor United States District Court where a federal civil rights trial against two polygamous towns on the Arizona-Utah line begins Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Willie Jessop, a former spokesperson and head of security of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints before leaving the sect in 2011, leaves the Sandra Day O'Connor United States District Court after a day of testifying during a federal civil rights trial against two polygamous towns on the Arizona-Utah line, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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