World

Texas sect children return home

by Sanjay Jha | June 2, 2008 at 08:13 pm

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There is some good news for the splinter sect of church in Texas. Police had raided and rescued children as old as 5 yrs from their ranch home and its actions were hailed. but now the rescued childrens from Yearning For Zion ranch in the town of Eldorado in April will finally go back to their home. Police had raided the place after allegation of sexual abuse was reporter. Officials had alleged there was systemic sexual and physical abuse, including the "grooming" of girls to accept sex with older men once reaching puberty. The sect teaches that polygamy brings glorification in heaven.

More than 400 children who were seized from a polygamist sect in Texas have begun returning home.

A judge in Texas signed an order allowing parents to take the children, who were removed from the sect's ranch by state authorities in April.

Officials had accused members of the sect of forcing young girls into under-age sex.

But last week the Texas Supreme Court said officials had failed to prove the children faced immediate danger.

Following Monday's ruling the first parents had emotional reunions with their children, the Associated Press news agency reported.

"It's just a great day," said Nancy Dockstader, as she embraced one of five children taken by authorities.

On Monday, 129 children were returned to their parents, AP reported.

It was expected to take several days for all the families to be reunited.