SALT LAKE CITY – Attorneys for a polygamous family made famous on a reality television show on Friday asked a Utah federal judge not to block their challenge of the state’s bigamy law.

Kody Brown and wives Meri, Janelle, Christine and Robyn filed a lawsuit in Salt Lake City’s U.S. District Court in July.

Additional Photos

Kody Brown, center, and his wives, from left, Robyn, Christine, Meri and Janelle, are the focus of the TLC reality series, “Sister Wives.” The famous polygamists are challenging Utah’s bigamy law in court. Photos by The Associated Press

Etta James

Jason Trawick and Britney Spears

The stars of the TLC show “Sister Wives” contend the law is unconstitutional because it violates their right to privacy — prohibiting them from living together and criminalizing their private sexual relationships.

Under Utah law, people are guilty of bigamy if they have multiple marriage licenses, or if they cohabitate with another consenting adult in a marriage-like relationship.

Formerly of Lehi, the Browns and their 17 children moved to Nevada in January after police launched a bigamy investigation. The Browns practice polygamy as part of their religious beliefs.

U.S. District Court Judge Clark Waddoups heard oral arguments in the case on Friday in Salt Lake City and took the matter under advisement. It’s not clear when he will rule.

For the case to go forward, the judge must decide the Browns have been harmed by the bigamy law.

In court, the Browns’ attorney, Jonathan Turley, said the family has suffered losses of income and been forced to move out of state because they were under investigation for bigamy.

They’ve also suffered “reputational harm” because the law labels the family a “criminal association,” and because some Utah prosecutors have said publicly that it would be easy for authorities to bring charges, because the Browns have acknowledged felonies on national TV.

“This family was fearful of arrest … they still are,” Turley said. “It’s why they are not here (in court) today.”

Assistant Utah Attorney General Jerrold Jensen called the Browns’ lawsuit “great TV drama,” but said there’s no real threat to the family, which has neither been arrested nor charged with any crime.

Jensen said it’s more likely the Browns were harmed by publicizing their lifestyle on television, not by actions taken by the state.

“The Browns have perceived that they will be prosecuted,” Jensen said. “That is a misperception, at least at this point.”

Doctor asks for prayers for blues singer James

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – “At Last” and “Tell Mama” blues singer Etta James, 73, whose health has been fading, is terminally ill, and her live-in doctor is asking for prayers.

Dr. Elaine James, not a relative, said the singer’s chronic leukemia has been declared incurable. The doctor has cared for James at the singer’s Riverside-area home since March 2010.

Court records in the singer’s probate case show she also suffers from dementia and kidney failure.

Elaine James made her comments outside a Riverside conservatorship hearing over the singer’s $1 million estate. The singer’s son, Donto James, wants a conservator rather than the singer’s husband, Artis Mills.

Former agent to be Spears’ husband No. 3

LOS ANGELES – Britney Spears is ready to walk down the aisle for the third time. The 30-year-old pop star plans to marry former agent Jason Trawick.

Trawick announced Friday on “Access Hollywood” that he and Spears are engaged. The two have been dating since 2009.

Spears hinted at the news with a tweet earlier Friday that read, “OMG. Last night Jason surprised me with the one gift I’ve been waiting for. Can’t wait to show you! SO SO SO excited!!!!”

Spears was previously married to Kevin Federline, with whom she has two sons: Sean Preston, 6, and Jayden James, 5. The couple divorced in 2006. Spears also briefly wed childhood friend Jason Alexander in 2004.

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