Polygamy, also known as plural marriage, has been a topic of controversy in the United States for decades. While it is illegal in all 50 states, there are some areas where the practice is not actively prosecuted. So, where is polygamy legal in the US? The answer is complicated, as it varies by state and circumstance.
The most well-known area where polygamy is practiced in the US is in Colorado City, Arizona. This small town on the border of Utah is home to members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), who believe in plural marriage as a central tenet of their faith. While authorities have tried to crack down on the practice, it remains a way of life for many in this tight-knit community.
Utah is also known for its history of polygamy, though it has been illegal in the state for over a century. Despite this, some still choose to practice the lifestyle in secret. Other states, such as Montana and South Carolina, have laws on the books that technically make polygamy a crime, but they are not enforced and therefore have a more relaxed attitude towards the practice. Overall, the legality of polygamy in the US remains an ongoing debate, with no clear resolution in sight.
Polygamy laws in the US
Polygamy is the act of having more than one spouse at the same time. In the United States, polygamy is illegal in all 50 states. It is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment, fine, or both. The federal government and all states have laws explicitly criminalizing the practice of polygamy.
- In the United States, polygamy is most often associated with splinter groups of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church.
- Polygamy is not practiced or condoned by the main body of the LDS Church, which banned the practice in 1890 as a condition of Utah’s statehood.
- Other religious groups, such as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), still actively practice polygamy and are concentrated in Utah, Arizona, and Texas.
The Supreme Court of the United States has consistently ruled that laws prohibiting polygamy do not violate the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom. The court has reasoned that criminalizing polygamy is necessary to protect the institution of marriage, ensure child welfare, and promote gender equality.
In addition to criminal sanctions, many American polygamists face stigmatization, discrimination, and social isolation. This stigma can make it difficult for polygamists to obtain jobs, housing, and other basic necessities.
States where polygamy is legal
Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, is illegal in all 50 states in the US. However, there are some states that have exceptions to the law, making polygamy technically legal under certain circumstances.
- Utah – Utah is the only state in the US where polygamy is a felony, but also allows for some exceptions. If the other spouses are legally divorced or deceased and the new marriage is not a “sham,” then polygamy is not a crime.
While other states have no exceptions to their anti-polygamy laws, there are several that have attempted to decriminalize the practice in recent years.
- Montana – In 2015, Montana passed a law that lessened the penalty for polygamy from a felony to a misdemeanor.
- South Dakota – In 2020, a bill was introduced that would have legalized polygamy in South Dakota if all parties were consenting adults, but it did not pass.
It’s important to note that even in states where polygamy is technically legal under certain circumstances, the practice is still widely stigmatized and not officially recognized by the government. It’s also important to remember that any form of coercion or abuse within a polygamous relationship is illegal and should be reported.
References:
| Source | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Deseret News | It’s illegal to be married to more than one person in the US – but some couples are pushing back | February 1, 2019 |
| KTVH | Legislature considers reducing penalties for bigamy | February 3, 2015 |
| Argus Leader | Bill Would Decriminalize Polygamy in South Dakota | January 23, 2020 |
History of Polygamy in the US
Polygamy, the act of having multiple spouses, has a long and complicated history in the United States. It is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and has been prevalent in many cultures around the world.
Polygamy was first introduced to the United States in the early 1800s by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormons. The practice was an integral part of their religious beliefs and was seen as a way to further the growth of the church.
However, as more and more Americans began to view polygamy as a threat to traditional marriage, the practice was outlawed by Congress in 1862 through the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act. Despite this, members of the LDS continued to practice polygamy, leading to conflict with the federal government and eventually culminated in a supreme court ruling in 1879 that upheld anti-polygamy laws.
- 1843 – Joseph Smith, founder of the LDS Church, publicly announces his belief in and practice of polygamy.
- 1862 – Congress passes the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act, making polygamy illegal.
- 1879 – Supreme Court ruling unanimously upholds anti-polygamy laws and the government begins to crack down on polygamous communities.
Polygamy continued to be practiced in secret by some members of the LDS church, leading to continued tension with the federal government. It wasn’t until the Church leadership officially banned the practice in 1890 that the government began to ease up on its enforcement of anti-polygamy laws.
Today, polygamy is still practiced by some in the United States, although it remains illegal in all 50 states. There have been several high-profile cases of polygamous communities, particularly in Utah and Arizona, that have been prosecuted for crimes such as child abuse, welfare fraud, and statutory rape. Despite this, there are still estimated to be thousands of individuals in the US who continue to practice polygamy in secret.
The history of polygamy in the US is a complex and controversial topic, one that continues to be debated and discussed to this day.
Religious Views on Polygamy
Polygamy (the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time) is a controversial issue that is often intertwined with religious beliefs and practices. Many different religions have different views on polygamy, with some condoning it and others condemning it. Here are some of the major religious views on polygamy:
- Mormonism: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) formally abandoned the practice of polygamy in 1890, although some breakaway groups still practice it. Mormon scripture affirms that polygamy was a divine commandment at one point, but that it was later rescinded. The church teaches that monogamous marriage is the only acceptable form of marriage today.
- Islam: Polygamy is allowed in Islam, but only under certain conditions. A Muslim man is permitted to have up to four wives, but he must treat them all equally and with fairness. If he cannot do so, he is instructed to marry only one wife. Polygamy is viewed as a way to provide for women who might otherwise be left unmarried, widowed, or divorced.
- Christianity: Polygamy is generally not accepted in Christianity, although a few small sects practice it. The Bible only allows for one man and one woman in a marriage. Many Christians believe that monogamous marriage is the ideal form of marriage, and that polygamy goes against God’s plan.
- Hinduism: Polygamy is not explicitly forbidden in Hinduism, but it is rare. In practice, most Hindus are monogamous, and polygamy is seen as a social taboo. The Hindu scriptures do not specifically address polygamy, and different Hindu communities may have different views on the topic.
Overall, the religious views on polygamy vary widely, and there is no consensus on whether it is acceptable or not. Some argue that it is a matter of personal choice and religious freedom, while others argue that it is harmful to individuals and society as a whole.
| Religion | View on Polygamy |
|---|---|
| Mormonism | Polygamy was once a divine commandment but is no longer allowed |
| Islam | Polygamy is allowed under certain conditions |
| Christianity | Polygamy is generally not accepted |
| Hinduism | Polygamy is not explicitly forbidden but is rare |
While the legal status of polygamy is complicated in the United States, it is clear that religious beliefs continue to shape people’s views on this controversial practice.
Controversies Surrounding Polygamy
Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses, has been a source of controversy and debate for centuries. In recent years, the topic has gained more attention as the legality of polygamy is a topic being discussed in various parts of the world. While there are those who believe that polygamy is a fundamental right, others argue that it is oppressive and should not be allowed.
- Religious Beliefs:
- Legalization:
- Exploitation:
One of the main controversies surrounding polygamy is its connection with religious beliefs. Polygamy is widely practiced in many religions, including Islam and Mormonism. Those who practice polygamy as part of their religious beliefs argue that it is a fundamental right and they should be allowed to live according to their faith. However, opponents argue that the practice is harmful to women and children and that it goes against the basic principles of human rights.
Another controversy surrounding polygamy is the legalization of the practice. While polygamy is illegal in most parts of the world, there are some countries and states where it is legal or tolerated. Proponents of legalization argue that it would remove the stigma associated with the practice and allow those who practice it to live without fear of persecution. On the other hand, opponents argue that the legalization of polygamy would lead to a host of social problems, including abuse and exploitation of women and children.
Polygamy is often associated with the exploitation of women and children. In many cases, women are forced into polygamous marriages against their will, and they have little control over their own lives. Children born into polygamous families may also suffer from neglect and abuse, as they may not receive adequate attention and care from their parents. Opponents of polygamy argue that it is a form of exploitation and that it should not be allowed under any circumstances.
The Future of Polygamy
Polygamy will continue to be a topic of controversy and debate for years to come. While some will continue to argue that it is a fundamental right, others will argue that it is a form of oppression that should not be allowed. The legalization of polygamy will continue to be a contentious issue, with some countries moving towards legalizing the practice while others remain staunchly opposed. Regardless of where one falls on the issue, it is important to continue to have open and honest dialogue in order to better understand the complexities surrounding polygamy and its impact on society.
| Country/State | Legal Status of Polygamy |
|---|---|
| Canada | Illegal |
| Mexico | Legal in some states |
| Netherlands | Illegal |
| South Africa | Illegal |
| United States | Illegal in all states |
(Source: BBC News)
Polygamy and Women’s Rights
Polygamy, the practice of marrying multiple partners, has been a controversial topic for years. The legality of polygamy varies around the world and even in different states in the United States. One of the major concerns with polygamy is its potential impact on women’s rights. Here, we’ll explore the relationship between polygamy and women’s rights.
Polygamy has often been criticized as a practice that perpetuates gender inequality and devalues women. Women in polygamous relationships may experience lack of agency, limited economic independence, and reduced power within the household. Furthermore, women in such relationships are often subject to emotional and physical abuse, with little legal protection due to the covert nature of their unions. Polygamy can create a situation in which women are not treated equally or fairly within the relationship.
- However, it is important to note that not all polygamous relationships necessarily result in the subjugation of women.
- Some polygamous relationships exist under the guise of religious freedom and can be consensual. Those who practice polygamy argue that it offers a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved and should not be discriminated against.
- Still, the fact remains that women in polygamous relationships often lack legal protection and access to resources.
Efforts have been made to address the inequalities that may arise from polygamy, particularly in the United States.
The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) argues that the current legal framework in many countries discriminates against women in polygamous relationships. In some cases, polygamous marriages are not recognized by the state, leaving women without legal rights or protections.
| State | Year polygamy criminalized |
|---|---|
| Utah | 1882 |
| Arizona | 1882 |
| Idaho | 1890 |
| New Mexico | 1890 |
| Oklahoma | 1908 |
| Montana | 1913 |
| Washington | 1913 |
The criminalization of polygamy has been used in part to prevent abuse within the practice. By making the practice illegal, it is easier for women in polygamous relationships to pursue legal action in cases of domestic violence and other forms of abuse.
While the debate over the legality of polygamy continues, it is clear that the practice can have a significant impact on the rights of women involved. Efforts should be made to ensure that those in polygamous relationships have equitable access to resources and legal protections. A focus on women’s rights is essential to addressing the complex issues surrounding polygamy.
Polygamy and the modern society
With the evolution of society, the controversial practice of polygamy has become a subject of intense debate. Here are some insights on how the modern society perceives polygamy.
- Polygamy remains illegal in the majority of the United States, with only a few exceptions.
- The general public view polygamy as a taboo practice that goes against moral values, religious beliefs, and societal norms.
- The challenges of practicing polygamy include the legal, emotional, and financial complexities of managing multiple partners and relationships.
However, some argue for the legalization of polygamy, citing constitutional rights, freedom of religion, and personal choice. Here are some arguments for and against the practice of polygamy.
| Arguments for Polygamy | Arguments against Polygamy |
|---|---|
| Allows individuals to practice their religious beliefs freely. | Polygamy is often associated with abuse and exploitation, especially against women and children. |
| Provides an alternative family structure that can support and nurture children. | Polygamous relationships are difficult to maintain and can lead to jealousy and emotional stress. |
| Allows adults to enter into consensual relationships and have multiple partners. | The legality of polygamy remains a grey area, with laws governing marriage and family relationships not clearly defined. |
Ultimately, the debate on the legality and morality of polygamy shows no signs of ending any time soon. However, with changing attitudes towards sexuality and relationships, it is likely that society’s perception of polygamy will continue to shift, and perhaps even become more accepted in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Where is Polygamy Legal in the US
Q: Is it legal to have multiple wives in the US?
A: Polygamy is illegal in all 50 states according to federal law, but some states have laws that are more lenient in their punishments.
Q: Where is polygamy decriminalized in the US?
A: Utah was the first state to decriminalize polygamy in 2020, although it is still illegal to obtain multiple marriage licenses. There are also other states, such as Arizona and Montana, that have more lenient punishments for polygamy.
Q: What is the punishment for practicing polygamy in states where it is illegal?
A: Punishments for practicing polygamy in illegal states can range from fines to imprisonment. In some cases, parents can also lose custody of their children if they are found to be practicing polygamy.
Q: Can you be arrested for having multiple wives if you received the marriage licenses outside of the US?
A: Yes, you can still be punished for practicing polygamy even if you obtained the marriage licenses outside of the US. The practice is illegal and punishable under US federal law.
Q: Is polygamy legal in any religious group in the US?
A: No, there is no religious group in the US where polygamy is legal. While some religious groups practice polygamy, it is still illegal under US federal law.
Q: Is there a movement to legalize polygamy in the US?
A: There is a small movement to legalize polygamy in the US, but it is not widely supported. Most people believe that polygamy should remain illegal because it is harmful to women and children.
Q: Why is polygamy illegal in the US?
A: Polygamy is illegal in the US because it is considered to be harmful to women and children. It is also seen as a violation of the traditional values of monogamous marriage that are held by most Americans.
The bottom line
Polygamy is illegal in all 50 states according to federal law, but some states have laws that are more lenient in their punishments. While there is a small movement to legalize polygamy, most people believe that it should remain illegal. Thanks for reading and please visit again later.