Infatuation Rules
Photo by Feyza Yıldırım Pexels Logo Photo: Feyza Yıldırım

What religion does not allow polygamy?

Conversely, Muslim women are generally barred from marrying numerous husbands. In Christianity, many sects disfavor the practice of polygamy. For instance, the Roman Catholic Church considers the practice to be an offense against the dignity of marriage and in opposition to the religion's moral values.

Do narcissists care about their family?
Do narcissists care about their family?

Indeed, narcissists love the idea of family. They love knowing that they have a reliable support system. They also love knowing that they have...

Read More »
At what point is a relationship irreparable?
At what point is a relationship irreparable?

What makes a relationship 'unfixable' according to experts, is when two people are no longer willing or able to commit to one another and make the...

Read More »

Polygamy refers to the practice of marrying more than one person. While this may be an unusual idea for many people, it is hardly a novel one in the history of human civilization. In some cultures, polygamy is accepted. For example, in some Islamic, Hindu, and even Christian countries, polygamy is a normal practice or is otherwise tolerated. Some Native American, Indigenous Australian, and Mongolian peoples practice “group marriage,” where the nuclear family consists of multiple husbands and multiple wives. However, in many parts of the world, including the United States, polygamy is legally prohibited and even criminalized. The United Nations Human Rights Committee concluded that polygamy violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to the extent that it results in unequal treatment of a person’s right to marry in cases where polygyny—marriages with multiple wives—is allowed but polyandry—marriages with multiple husbands—is prohibited. In America, all 50 states have some form of legal prohibition against bigamy and polygamy, either through criminalization or through legal barriers to marriage.

Polygamy and Religion

In countries where religion takes a central role in society—including government—rules concerning marriage stemmed from religious traditions and values. For instance, Jewish legal tradition did not ban polygamy outright. Exodus 21:10 of the Torah states that “if he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights.” This passage implies that multiple marriages were at least tolerated, as long as one spouse was not supported at the expense of the other. Many historians have suggested that polygamy was often a response to times of famine and hardship, especially to help widows of deceased men who were responsible for providing necessities for his family. In Islamic legal traditions, a husband can marry multiple wives under certain circumstances. Conversely, Muslim women are generally barred from marrying numerous husbands. In Christianity, many sects disfavor the practice of polygamy. For instance, the Roman Catholic Church considers the practice to be an offense against the dignity of marriage and in opposition to the religion’s moral values. However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—also known as the Mormon Church or LDS Church—is infamous for its historical practice of plural marriage.

Polygamy and American Law

As mentioned earlier, bigamy and polygamy are considered crimes in most, if not all, 50 states in America. In its early years, the Mormon religion clashed with the U.S. federal government during the 19th century. Members of the Mormon religion ventured to new U.S. territories in the west, eventually settling in the Utah territory. As these territories were governed by the U.S. federal government, the Mormon Church found themselves at odds with federal authorities. Eventually, Mormon settlers and the federal government engaged in armed conflict in the Utah War, between 1857 and 1858.

How many girls are forced to marry?
How many girls are forced to marry?

Worldwide, more than 650 million women alive today were married as children. Every year, at least 12 million girls are married before they reach...

Read More »
How does lack of intimacy affect a man?
How does lack of intimacy affect a man?

Anxiety, stress, and depression are also common sexless marriage effects on the husband. When a husband is denied sex at home for a long time, his...

Read More »

Although the conflict was short, with no significant historic battles, its resolution did not mean the end of U.S. antagonism against the Mormon settlers. In the aftermath following the Utah War, several federal laws were enacted, criminalizing the practice of plural marriage and limiting the property rights of the Mormon Church. This led to arrests and convictions of many Mormon leaders. Today, plural marriage is officially banned by the LDS Church, although some smaller sects may continue to practice it in secrecy. Some of the federal laws that were enacted to prohibit polygamy remain in effect today. Many states also have criminal prohibitions against polygamy. Additionally, state laws generally invalidate subsequent marriages unless the first marriage was already dissolved in a divorce. Some people have tried to argue that laws against polygamy violate their constitutional right to freedom of religion. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides that “Congress shall pass no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” However, many American courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have held that such laws do not violate an individual’s right to the free exercise of religion, reasoning that a law that prohibits some immoral act may still be valid even if the prohibited act is coincidentally a rite of one’s faith. If you are looking for a qualified legal professional for advice about a legal dispute involving your constitutional rights, marriage, divorce, or other family law matter, you should get in touch with our team of attorneys at Scaringi Law. We are a full-service law firm dedicated to preserving your legal rights and finding a just resolution to your legal issues. Call our office at (717) 775-7195 or contact us online to ask about a free consultation about your case today.

How do you know a guy is emotionally attached?
How do you know a guy is emotionally attached?

He shows his love for you in many ways Here are more signs that might help you determine if someone is emotionally attached: He takes the time to...

Read More »
Do kids age you faster?
Do kids age you faster?

Between the sleepless nights, endless worries, and persistent temper tantrums, parenting can feel like a fast track to gray hairs and wrinkles....

Read More »
How many friends does an average person have?
How many friends does an average person have?

Those who value their alone time may need fewer friends, and that's OK too. In general, based on 2021 survey data, the average person in America...

Read More »
What does Romans 8 18 25 mean?
What does Romans 8 18 25 mean?

However, in Romans 8:18-25, Paul has a message for Satan; the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross has the power to not only redeem lost humanity, it...

Read More »