Texas Bigamy Prosecution Wll Test Strengthened Law

For the first time since the Texas prohibition on bigamy (Penal Code, title 6, Sec. 25.01) was strengthened by the legislature in 2005, a prosecution is about to take place. Sunday's Dallas Morning News reports that in February, 73-year old House of Yahweh prophet Yisrayl "Buffalo Bill" Hawkins was indicted on four counts of promoting bigamy. In addition, sect elder Yedidiyah Hawkins has been charged with sexual assault of his 14-year-old stepdaughter who authorities say he was planning to marry. Hawkins secretive sect lives on a compound of hundreds of acres near the town of Eula in Callahan County, Texas. The House of Yahweh sends its apocalyptic message to the world over satellite broadcasts, radio and the Internet.