PHOENIX (AP) — Closing arguments are scheduled Wednesday in a civil rights case against two cities on the Arizona-Utah line that are accused of discriminating against people who aren't members of a polygamous sect.
Jurors have been hearing witnesses in the U.S. Justice Department's case against Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, since mid-January.
Both towns are accused of acting of functioning as agents of a polygamous sect and discriminating against nonbelievers by denying them housing, water services and police protection.
They deny the allegations and say religion isn't a motivating factor in their decisions. They believe the government is discriminating against them based on their religion.
The trial has provided a rare glimpse into towns that for decades have been shrouded in secrecy and possess a deep-seated loathing of government and outsiders.