The polygamous sect that recently regained custody of its members’ children in Texas isn’t the first fringe religious group to come under scrutiny because of its sexual and marital practices. Indeed, many new religious movements-NRMs in scholar-speak-are distinguished by sexual practices that outsiders consider unusual, even abhorrent. And that frequently brings unwanted attention from law enforcement and social service agencies. But the unfolding drama of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints raises questions about the nature of NRMs and sex. Why do people join or remain members of a group that practices unusual sexual behaviors, some that are harmful? What kind of sexual power do the leaders of NRMs have over their followers?