FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rep. Lujan to Participate in Town Hall Meeting on Polygamy

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Rep. David Lujan of Phoenix will participate in a town hall meeting on polygamy from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, in St. George, Utah.

Rep. Lujan has led the effort in the Arizona Legislature to protect children from polygamy. He has sponsored measures to prevent a parent from obtaining custody if he or she practices child bigamy.

The Utah/Arizona Safety Net Committee is presenting the town hall meeting on May 8. Other town hall participants are: Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, Utah Safety Net Coordinator Paul Murphy, and Don Timpson of Centennial Park. Ben Winslow of Deseret News will moderate the meeting.

The Safety Net Committee is bringing together government agencies, non-profit organizations and interested individuals who are working to open up communication, break down barriers and coordinate efforts to give people associated with the practice of polygamy equal access to justice, safety and services.

The town hall meeting will be held at the Dixie Center, 1835 Convention Center Drive, in St. George, Utah.

"This town hall meeting is a rare opportunity to bring together many of the agencies and organizations that are working diligently to give the women and children more opportunities," Rep. Lujan said. "The town hall meeting will generate thoughtful discussion on the best public policies and the resources that are needed."

Rep. Lujan is also the staff attorney for Defenders of Children, a non-profit organization that provides legal and support services for children who are victims of abuse. He has assisted women and children who have been victimized by polygamy.

The Safety Net Committee is also holding an event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on May 8 called Media & Polygamy: Telling the Story. The event features panel discussions with representatives from a polygamous community, social service organizations and law enforcement agencies, and the media. There will also be a discussion on developing the best practices and creating an action plan. The daytime event will be held at the Department of Workforce Services, 162 N. 400 E., Building B, 2^nd floor, in St. George, Utah.

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Additional Media Contact: Rachael Myer, 602-926-5848, rmyer@azleg.gov

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