In a startling revelation during a recent public safety forum, U.S. Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona, a candidate for governor, admitted he was aware of the ongoing issues surrounding forced child marriage in Colorado City when he blocked a crucial bill aimed at addressing the problem back in 2013.
As the former president of the Arizona State Senate, Biggs faced intense scrutiny from reporters about his actions—or lack thereof—regarding legislation that could have empowered authorities to intervene against the troubling practices linked to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS).
During the Gubernatorial Public Safety Policy Forum, the pressures mounted as a reporter pressed him, asking, “You didn’t know what was going on?” Biggs responded candidly, “I was the Senate president. I knew what was going on.”
When pressed on whether he was aware of the FLDS’s tactics of marrying off underage girls, he conceded that he had heard “bits and pieces of it,” referencing federal investigations that were ongoing at the time.
Biggs’s actions came under fire after it was revealed that he effectively shut down a bill that had garnered support from then-Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne. The measure had passed the House with overwhelming approval, only to falter under Biggs’s leadership in the Senate, never making it to a vote.
Notably, the sect’s notorious leader, Warren Jeffs, was convicted in 2011 for sexually assaulting young girls, marrying them off against their will. This troubling context has put additional pressure on Biggs as he runs for statewide office.
The Justice Department had previously sued the two towns overseen by the Colorado City Marshal’s Office, alleging that the office acted as an enforcement arm for the FLDS, thereby protecting those engaging in abuse.
Voices from the political sphere echoed the concerns during the forum, with then-state Representative Michelle Ugenti-Rita, who sponsored the bill, stating, “Women and children suffered three years longer than they should have because he protected the bad guys.”
Survivors of the FLDS practices and advocates have not backed down from demanding accountability. They echoed their calls for justice at a recent press conference, questioning Biggs’s decision to oppose the bill.
Amid mounting criticism, the campaign of Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs released a video highlighting Biggs’s inaction, insisting he ought to explain why he chose to stand against legislation aimed at safeguarding women and children.
“I would like Andy Biggs to explain why he chose to not support this bill and not protect women and children,” stated Elisa Wall, a former member of the FLDS who escaped the sect.
Biggs’s campaign adviser argued that the lawmaker’s opposition came from concerns that the legislation was “poorly written,” saying it was too broad and faced opposition from groups like the Arizona Police Association.
In light of the forum’s discussions and the surrounding criticisms, Biggs appeared to downplay the relevance of the past actions, concluding his remarks with, “So we’re ready to move on.”
This controversy over forced child marriage in Colorado City speaks to broader issues of government oversight, community safety, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
As the gubernatorial campaign unfolds, this issue is likely to resurface, particularly as voters aim to understand how candidates prioritize the protection of children and address allegations of misconduct within local law enforcement.
With Biggs working to ascend to the governor’s office, the fallout from his past actions will continue to loom over his campaign, potentially shaping voter perceptions and influencing electoral outcomes.
The questions raised about accountability and protection for the most vulnerable are not just political issues but moral imperatives that demand attention as communities strive toward safety and justice.
This ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive legislation to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
