Warren Jeffs. Credit: AP/file.
By John Hollenhorst
Hildale, UT (KSL/CNN) - Many remaining followers of Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned FLDS leader, say they are disgusted.
Jeffs just announced that marriages of his followers have all been voided, and that's stirring up emotions.
Jeffs has recently banned many of the things his followers enjoy: bicycles, ATVs, trampolines, and even children's toys. But one edict reaches into the bedroom.
Joni Holm, who has many FLDS relatives, said Jeffs has voided all existing FLDS marriages.
"Right now they have all been told that they are not to live as husband and wife. They can live in the same house but they are not to have sexual relationships until Warren comes out and reseals them," said Holm.
Since Jeffs is in a Texas prison, his brother, Lyle, broke the news to residents of Colorado City and Hildale. It was the last straw for Holm's brother-in-law. He left the FLDS three weeks ago after 39 years, his entire life.
"They're leaving. Groups of them are coming out. We're getting families that are coming out now. It's only going to get worse," said Holm.
She says her brother-in-law confirmed that faithful members are meeting almost daily and being re-baptized. They won't be considered married until Jeffs gets out of prison to personally reseal them.
"Until then they are not have any sexual relationships. It is now considered adultery," said Holm.
If they have sex on the sly, any resulting children will be considered "sons of perdition."
"The parents will also be excommunicated," said Holm.
The curse would be broken only if Jeffs' latest prophecy comes true: an apocalypse that will bring down the prison walls and broil the human race.
"They believe that they'll still roam on the earth but the rest of us will be burned," said Holm.
Jeffs is in prison serving a life sentence for raping underage girls.
KSL/CNN