Lawsuit threatened over ‘Five Wives Vodka’ ban

WASHINGTON — A Washington law professor is threatening a lawsuit over Idaho’s decision to ban a brand of vodka that makes a cheeky reference to polygamy. In a letter published today on his website, George Washington University professor Jonathan Turley informs Idaho officials he will sue on behalf of the maker of Five Wives Vodka if the state doesn’t reverse its decision not to allow the vodka’s sale. He calls the ban unconstitutional and gives the state 10 days to reverse it. Idaho State Liquor Division director Jeff Anderson said last month that the brand is offensive to Mormons who make up more than a quarter of Idaho’s population and would not be sold in the state. The Mormon church at one time allowed polygamy but abandoned the practice in 1890.