A US appeals court has dismissed a polygamist reality TV star's lawsuit contesting Utah's bigamy laws.
The decision marked a defeat for Kody Brown and the four women he publicly lives with on the TLC television show Sister Wives.
Mr Brown and his wives - Meri, Janelle, Christine and Robyn - launched a federal lawsuit in 2011 contending that Utah's ban on multiple marriage partners violated their right to privacy and criminalised their sexual relationships.
In 2013, a federal judge sided with the family, ruling that a portion of Utah's bigamy law was too broad and unconstitutional.
But the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals sent the case back to the lower court on Monday, essentially throwing out the ruling.
In its decision, the court said the Brown family cannot sue because prosecutors never filed charges against them.
The court also noted that authorities said they would not prosecute consenting adult polygamists, without evidence of other crimes like abuse or fraud.
Polygamy is illegal in all 50 states, but Utah's law is unique in that a person can be found guilty not just for having two legal marriage licences, but also for cohabiting with another adult in a marriage-like relationship when they are already legally married to someone else.
Utah is home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, which abandoned polygamy in 1890 as Utah was seeking statehood.
Some sects and breakaway groups follow the early theological doctrine of plural marriage, thought to bring exaltation in heaven.
The Brown family filed its lawsuit after prosecutors threatened legal action following the launch of Sister Wives in 2010.
An attorney for the Browns said the family was "disappointed" with the ruling, and would consider their options.
The family, consisting of 18 children, moved from Utah to Las Vegas following the premiere of the show.
. . . Courtesy ::: Sky news
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