Ep 13. Risking Arrest Part 1

In Sister Wives season 12 episode 13, entitled "Risking Arrest Part 1", the Brown family faces a critical juncture in their legal battle to decriminalize polygamy. After years of living in secrecy and fear of prosecution, Kody and his wives step into the public sphere to support a lawsuit challenging Utah's criminal ban on cohabitation and marriage between multiple partners.

The episode begins with the Browns arriving in Salt Lake City for a press conference announcing their participation in the lawsuit. Kody expresses his nervousness about becoming a public figure and potentially facing arrest, while the wives discuss the emotional toll of living in hiding and the need for legal recognition of their family structure.

As the family prepares for the press conference, tensions rise when they learn that the event will be picketed by anti-polygamy activists. The wives express frustration at being portrayed as victims or criminals by the media and society at large, and Kody worries about the impact on their children's well-being.

At the press conference, the Browns join other plaintiff families and lawyers to argue that Utah's ban on polygamy violates their rights to privacy, free speech, and religious freedom. Kody and his wives share their personal stories of the fear and shame they have endured under the criminal penalty and affirm their commitment to living as a plural family despite the risks.

After the press conference, the Browns face an unexpected setback when Kody is informed that he may be subject to arrest for cohabitating with more than one partner. The family debates whether to stay in Utah and risk arrest or to flee the state and jeopardize the legal case. Kody's eldest son Logan offers a perspective on the generational divide within the family regarding the value of legal recognition versus the importance of lifestyle autonomy.

Meanwhile, the wives seek support from their extended family members and community leaders, including Kody's sister wives Meri and Janelle and their friend Aubrey. They discuss the emotional and practical challenges of being in a polygamous relationship, from jealousy and communication to legal and financial issues.

As the episode ends, the Browns grapple with the possibility of being torn apart by legal persecution while continuing to advocate for their beliefs. The viewer is left to wonder what choice they will make and what consequences they will face in the next episode.

Overall, Sister Wives season 12 episode 13 provides an insightful and emotional look into the struggles of a polygamous family fighting for legal recognition and social acceptance. The episode offers a nuanced portrayal of the Brown family's motivations, challenges, and beliefs, as well as the larger cultural and legal issues surrounding polygamy. It invites viewers to consider their own attitudes towards plural relationships and the role of the government in regulating family structures.