SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah's polygamous families have helped create a revamped guidebook called The Primer that they hope will help combat what they consider to be myths and stereotypes about their culture.
The 65-page booklet is designed to give social workers, police and other service providers a better understanding of polygamist's beliefs, family structures and even their language.
Bigamy is illegal in Utah and Arizona, where most Intermountain West polygamists live.
Historically, fear of prosecution has kept most plural families from seeking services. When they did, service providers often tried to "rescue" them from their religion.
Released last week, the Primer was produced by the Safety Net Committee, an outreach program working with polygamous communities and service agencies.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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