Thomas Arthur Green was born on June 9, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Raised in a devout household of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), Green’s early life followed a traditional Mormon path. He served a mission in the Great Lakes Mission from 1967 to 1969. However, in the 1980s, Green diverged from the LDS Church’s teachings, embracing Mormon fundamentalism, which advocates for the practice of polygamy. This shift led to his excommunication from the LDS Church in 1980. Green’s new religious convictions propelled him into a lifestyle that would later attract national attention.
Embracing Polygamy
In the early 1990s, Green began practicing polygamy, marrying multiple women in spiritual unions. His lifestyle was characterized by a commitment to plural marriage, a principle he believed was rooted in early Mormon doctrine. Green’s household, located in a remote area near the Nevada border, became a focal point for media attention. He openly discussed his beliefs and family life, appearing on various television programs, including The Jerry Springer Show and Dateline, to advocate for polygamy. His openness about his lifestyle brought him both support from like-minded individuals and scrutiny from the public and authorities.
Legal Troubles and Convictions
In 2001, Green’s practice of polygamy led to legal challenges. He was convicted on four counts of bigamy and one count of failure to pay child support. The prosecution argued that Green had married teenagers, divorced them, and continued to cohabit with them while they received welfare benefits. This case was significant as it was one of the first high-profile polygamy cases in Utah in decades, drawing national attention. Green was sentenced to five years in prison for the bigamy convictions and was ordered to repay $78,000 in welfare benefits.
In addition to the bigamy charges, Green faced a more serious accusation. In 2002, he was convicted of child rape for having sexual relations with his 13-year-old wife, Linda Kunz, whom he had married when she was a teenager. Kunz was his stepdaughter before their marriage. The case was controversial, with Green maintaining that their union was a spiritual marriage and not legally recognized. Despite his defense, he was sentenced to up to life in prison for the child rape conviction. Green served a total of six years in prison before being released on parole in 2007.
Family Life and Legacy
At the time of his release, Green had approximately 30 children from his various marriages. His family life was unconventional, with multiple wives and numerous children living together in a communal setting. Despite the legal issues and public criticism, Green remained committed to his family and his beliefs. He continued to advocate for the practice of polygamy, viewing it as a fundamental aspect of his religious convictions.
Green’s case highlighted the complexities surrounding the practice of polygamy in modern society. It raised questions about religious freedom, the legal recognition of marriages, and the protection of minors within such unions. His trial and convictions brought attention to the ongoing existence of polygamous communities in Utah and other parts of the United States, challenging the legal and social frameworks that govern family structures.
Death and Aftermath
Thomas Green passed away on February 28, 2021, at the age of 72, due to complications from COVID-19 pneumonia. His death marked the end of a controversial life that had been marked by legal battles, media scrutiny, and unwavering adherence to his beliefs. Green’s legacy remains a topic of debate, with some viewing him as a martyr for religious freedom and others as a criminal who exploited legal loopholes to justify his actions.
In the years following his death, discussions about polygamy and its place in society continue. Green’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing individual rights with societal protections, particularly concerning the welfare of minors in polygamous families. While the practice of polygamy remains illegal in the United States, communities that continue the tradition often operate in secrecy, raising ongoing legal and ethical questions.
Thomas Green’s life story is a complex narrative that intertwines religious conviction, legal controversy, and societal debate. His practice of polygamy and the subsequent legal repercussions brought national attention to the issue of plural marriage and its implications in modern society. While his actions were divisive, they sparked important conversations about religious freedom, legal accountability, and the rights of individuals within unconventional family structures. Green’s legacy continues to influence discussions on these topics, reflecting the ongoing tension between personal beliefs and public law.