Judge to hear bid to move Ariz. civil rights/FLDS case

PHOENIX (AP) - A federal judge will hear arguments Friday on a request to move a civil rights lawsuit against two polygamous towns out of Arizona.

The lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in June claims that officials in Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City have supported a campaign of intimidation against former members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and denied them services.

The defendants had asked a judge to move the case to Utah to cut down on travel time and expenses for the parties and witnesses.

Prosecutors say the defense attorneys have failed to make a strong case against keeping it in Arizona.

Each side will be given 15 minutes to make arguments.

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