Will the FLDS case impact perceptions of child rape and sex offenders?

Over at Grits for Breakfast, Scott has been doing effective coverage of the FLDS case, including this interesting post asserting that “more law blawggers need to weigh in on West Texas polygamy case.”  Though I won’t fault other law bloggers for their posting agendas, I will do my part by noting one of the reasons I have been fascinated by the scenes and interviews now coming out of the YFZ Ranch which have become the focal point of a lot of the MSM coverage the last few days. 

Of particular interest is hearing some pundits talk about the case in terms of “child rape,” while seeing videos of many mothers expressing heartfelt (and scripted?) concerns about the well-being of their children.  Beyond the fact that the men from the YFZ Ranch are not seen, I wonder if viewers are struggling with the notion that these mothers may be directly complicit (and legally accountable) for what would be the crime of child rape in most jurisdictions.

Needless to say, I doubt most members of the public or politicians think of the FLDS mothers when they think about child rapists and sex offenders.  But, as this case continues forward and evidence emerges concerning adults repeatedly having sex with underage girls, the national image of child rape and sex offender may be altered.