Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses simultaneously, is uniformly illegal across all states in the United States. This legal stance is rooted in historical efforts to regulate family structures and maintain societal norms. The United States now allows a man to marry multiple wives (polygyny) and a woman to be married to multiple men (polyandry). However, polygamy is considered a third-degree felony in the state, meaning individuals could potentially spend long time in prison and pay hefty fines.
Polygamy is considered a crime originated in the common law and is now outlawed in every state. In the United States, polygamy was declared unlawful through the Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Act of 1882. In Murphy v. Ramsey, 114 U.S. 15, the Supreme Court held that polygamist marriages are not legally recognized as marriages.
However, U.S. law does allow someone in a polygamous marriage to be granted U.S. residence along with their first spouse. The U.S. State Department specifically states that in cases of polygamous marriages, only the first spouse may qualify as a spouse for immigration. Bigamy and polygamy may be considered crimes and may bar eligibility for naturalized U.S. citizenship.
The legal status of cousin marriage varies considerably from one U.S. state to another, ranging from being legal in some states to being a criminal offense in others. As of 2023, all 50 states extend marriage equality to same-sex couples, but many still have laws against the practice.
In the United States, polygamy has never been legal in any American state, and Utah is known for its history with polygamy. However, Utah’s unique law allows a person to be convicted not only because they have two legal marriages.
📹 ‘My Five Wives’: A Different Look at Modern Polygamy
Brady Williams, a former fundamentalist Mormon, and his wives star in a new reality series.
Can a man marry two wives legally in India?
The Indian Penal Code of 1860 banned polygamy for Christians. In 1955, the Hindu Marriage Act was passed, banning marriages for Hindus whose spouses were still alive. Polygamy became illegal in India in 1956, except for Muslims and Hindus in Goa and along the western coast. A polygamous Hindu marriage is invalid. While the punishment is applicable, it is rare if the first spouse does not object.
Muslim polygamy. Muslims in the rest of the country are subject to the terms of the 1937 Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, interpreted by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. However, in February 2015, the Supreme Court of India said that polygamy was not part of Islam and that monogamy was a state-approved reform.
Is it legal to have two wives in Canada?
Polygamy is illegal in Canada. Polygamy goes against many of Canada’s international commitments and the idea of gender equality in Canada.
Can a man marry two wives legally in the USA?
Polygamy is having more than one spouse at a time. Polygamy is illegal in every state. In the United States, polygamy was made illegal in 1882. In Murphy v. Ramsey, the Supreme Court said that a polygamist is “every person who has a husband or wife living, who, in a territory or other place over which the United States have exclusive jurisdiction, marries another, whether married or single.” Polygamy and bigamy are often the same crime.
Where are multiple marriages legal?
Which countries allow polygamy? Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco. Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen all allow polygamy. How many countries have polygamy? Polygamy is legal in 47 countries. Polygamy is rare around the world. It is mostly legal in a few regions.
Are Mormons allowed more than one wife?
Today, members of the Church honor those who practiced polygamy in the early days. However, the Church does not allow plural marriage. The Church always taught monogamy. This is shown in the Book of Mormon (Jacob chapter 2). “Listen to the Lord’s word, my brothers and sisters. “No man among you shall have more than one wife. I will command my people to obey this law, unless I raise up seed for me.” The Lord’s people should be monogamous unless the Lord says otherwise. Latter-day Saints believe the Church practiced polygamy during that time.
Is polygamy legal in Texas?
Marrying More Than One Person. Some people want to marry more than one person. But the law in Texas says you can’t. If you are legally married and marry another person in Texas, another U.S. state, or even a foreign country, you are committing a crime. This law also applies to common-law marriages. You can only marry one person in Texas. If you get divorced, you can marry again.
Common-law marriage in Texas. People often think that living together for a certain number of years makes them common law spouses. That’s not true. You don’t have to live together for a certain number of years. You must show proof that you meet these three conditions: You both agree to be married, live together as a married couple in Texas, and tell others you are married.
Can you have more than one wife in Utah?
Polygamy is not legal in Utah. It’s a crime in Utah today. Polygamy was decriminalized two years ago. It is now a minor civil infraction. Some say the penalties were like a parking ticket. But the new law didn’t last. It was repealed this year. In 2022, polygamy is a criminal offense in Utah. Polygamy is a felony in Utah with severe penalties. For more on polygamy in Utah, see the Salt Lake Tribune article and the Utah History Encyclopedia article above. In 2020, the Utah legislature made polygamy a civil offense, reducing the crime from a felony to a traffic violation.
Can you have multiple spouses in California?
Bigamy is when you marry someone while already married to someone else. In California, bigamy is a crime. This law makes it illegal to marry someone while you are still married. Bigamy is marrying someone while you are still married to someone else. PC 281 makes it a crime to get married while still married to someone else. It doesn’t matter if you’re separated or trying to get divorced. It doesn’t matter if your current spouse approves or if your first marriage was in another state or country.
What religion allows multiple wives?
The Mormon Church is known for its historical practice of plural marriage.
Why is bigamy illegal in the US?
Why is bigamy illegal? Many places, including New York, make bigamy illegal for legal, social, and ethical reasons. In New York and many other places, bigamy is a crime with serious consequences. Some reasons bigamy is illegal include:
Marital Integrity: Marriage is a legally binding contract between two people. Bigamy breaks the contract of marriage. Legal systems protect marriage and the rights of people in it. Fraud and deception: Bigamy often involves deception and fraud. One or more people might not know about previous marriages. This can cause emotional harm, financial problems, and arguments over property, inheritance, and support. Marriages can make things complicated legally. It’s harder to decide who gets what when more than two people are married. Legalizing bigamy could make things more complicated. Social Stability: Limiting marriage to one spouse helps maintain social stability. Only one spouse can be legally recognized at a time, reducing confusion over marital status, inheritance rights, and legal obligations. Bigamy hurts women’s rights in marriage. In polygamous marriages, women may be treated unfairly and have fewer legal rights. Restricting bigamy protects individuals, especially women, from exploitation. Child welfare is also an issue in cases of multiple marriages. To protect children, families must be stable. Bigamous relationships can disrupt this. Preventing Exploitation: Some people enter bigamous relationships for money, immigration, or other reasons. Prohibiting bigamy helps prevent people from using marriage for personal gain. Legal Consistency: Marriage laws are designed to make it easy for people to enter into relationships. Allowing bigamy would make it harder to know if marriages are valid. Overall, banning bigamy protects people, keeps things consistent, and keeps marriage strong. It also makes people behave ethically in relationships and helps create a fair and stable society.
The difference between bigamy, polygamy, and monogamy. Bigamy is different from other marital arrangements. Bigamy is having more than one spouse at once without getting a divorce. Polygamy is having more than one spouse at once with everyone’s permission. Monogamy is the legal norm of having only one spouse at a time. Knowing these differences helps us understand the laws that govern marriage.
Can you have multiple spouses in Colorado?
4. Is polygamy illegal in Colorado? Polygamy is having more than one spouse at a time. Polygamy is illegal in Colorado. Some groups practice polygamy for cultural or religious reasons. The First Amendment doesn’t protect people who practice polygamy for religious reasons. The Supreme Court says states can ban polygamous marriages. What if my spouse is already married? If your spouse is already married, you may be charged with bigamy. Marrying a bigamist is a crime. To be charged with marrying a bigamist, you must know your spouse is already married. If you didn’t know your spouse was already married, you may be able to avoid charges of marrying a bigamist. Call us for help. If you were charged with bigamy, polygamy, or marrying a bigamist, contact Colorado Legal Defense Group.
📹 I’m A Cowboy – And I’ve Got 2 Wives | MY EXTRAORDINARY FAMILY
Colton Winder lives in Utah with his two wives, Tami and Sophie, and their three children. The family believes in plural marriage …
An interesting side effect that is rarely discussed. What happens to all the “extra ” boys in a polygamous society? Obviously there are not enough women to allow each male to have more than one. It means that some individual males get more than one, but others get nobody and either remain bachelors in their own society or are shunted out.
He doesn’t want more-that tells me that he had a strong bond with these 5 related cousins in particular. He, in a way, found a way to escape the Mormon prison and start a progressive family with the 5 women. I think that’s pretty ok if you ask me. They can’t help it bc that’s how they were brought up. But they are practicing it in a healthy way
“You know he’s having relations with other women. Don’t you–do you think about that?” “I don’t. It hurts me if I go there. I don’t want to put myself through that.” Sooooo … facing the reality of her situation hurts her. Denial of truth is how she makes it OK in her mind. Sounds like a very healthy situation.
If you cant do the honor of choosing ONE and doing right by that one person and giving all your love and undivided attention because you love and wanna make that person happy, if you cant do that your a terrible lover its not real love its a selfish empty feast where no one is truely deeply fed, so you dont deserve that person. OR anyone.
Looking at all the 5 wives reminds me of a Benny Hill skit where he played dracula an had 5 brides. He was speaking to them regarding the bow-chick-a-wow-wow session for the evening. He said to to the four hot brides in turn “I’ll be with you from midnight to 1am”, “I’ll be with you from 1am to 2am”, “I’ll be with you from 2am to 3am”, “I’ll be with you from 3am to 4 am”. Then he sad to the ugly one “I’ll be with you from 4am to 4:05am” Awww — I love me some Benny Hill
A man and his wife…and his other wife…his other wife…his other wife…and the other wife. I’m actually not against polygamy and I do like their approach where they’re not indoctrinating their children or using religion to control anyone but the group is too large and the onus of showing affection is falling on one person. I think an ideal polygamist relationship is that everyone loves everyone else. The absence of one person doesn’t kill the group. That means when you’re tired, you don’t have to worry about meeting your partner’s needs at that moment cause there’s four other people in the relationship and when you’re feeling lonely there’s always at least one person happy to spend time with you. There’s no taking 20% of a person, it’s getting 100% of your needs met all the time. But hey, they all seem happy, the children seem happy and don’t have to accept this lifestyle if they don’t want it, they’re actually pretty open minded too. I don’t mind if they don’t. Edit: If you can’t read, just say that and move on. Or better yet, say nothing and move on. I made the point that there shouldn’t be one person responsible for loving everyone in a polygamist relationship. What I suggested is a situation where you have more than one committed partner. If you don’t like that, okay. Don’t do it. 🤷🏾♀️
They were asked why they don’t mind that their husband is having relations with other women and all of their answers were pretty much “I just don’t allow myself to go there in my mind”. So they are bothered by it. At least one of the wives said she thinks about leaving but didn’t want to upset anyone in the family. They’ve even admitted they don’t practice the religion anymore.
I’m not against polygamy (though, personally, I’m not for it, either… not for myself, I mean) but some of those women sound like they’re settling rather than actually happy and content. Like the one who thought about leaving, her only reason she hasn’t was because it’d devastate the family. The other saying she’d rather have 20% of the man than 0… These aren’t signs of happiness, these are signs of low self esteem and thinking they can’t do any better. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the man, but… c’mon, now. This doesn’t look like a happy family to me. On a side note, for the love of god PLEASE STOP BREEDING. The world is over populated as is… 24 children is just absurd, and when it’s gotten to the point you can’t even remember all of them and when they came into your life? Enough is enough…
I see many guys here say “What a legend!!!!!” and “NEW LIFE GOAL!!!”, but I really think they have the wrong idea of polygamy because I’m not quite sure how they would feel being one of their wife’s five husbands. Before you make this your “life goal”, remember that your wives are also allowed to have another husband, or two, or three.
It’s amazing how most people here don’t seem to be acknowledging the fact that this man takes care of 5 women and 24 kids. He has two houses, his own business, and pays $4000 in grocery bills every month. He spends a night with each wife and takes care of their physical, emotional, and sexual needs. He is an alpha male. There are many women in the West prostituting themselves online and offline to pay their rent. Meanwhile, this man’s wives are able to live comfortable, dignified lives because they have a strong husband. Yes, they have to share him. But like one of his wives said, “I would rather have 20% of a good man than to have 0”. You could also say that it’s better to have 20% of a good man than to have 100% of a bad one. It’s also amazing how people here are quick to find issue with something godly and good (like polygamy), but they seem to have no issue with evil. They seem to have no issue with people perusal porn, having sex and children out of wedlock, same-sex relations, etc., but when a man practices polygamy, then all of sudden people find issue with it. All of a sudden, the mantra of “live and let live” flies out the window, and people take issue with, what are, consensual relations between adults. Also, some of the comments seem to suggest that the wives have low self-esteem, and that is the reason why they are willing to share their husband. Do they also complain about the e-girls and online prostitutes having low self-esteem, or is their ire only reserved for the religious?
My daughter once worked for food stamp, welfare dept….her coworkers told me at a party that on the state’s that have polygamy have children with different wives, fathers name is on birth certificates, yet we give all of those children free food, medical, benefits…. he gets lots of sex, yet, we the taxpayer are the ones supporting them
So the guy runs a legit business, takes care of his wives and kids, treats them well, and people on the outside be hating. Sure, I don’t think it’s for me, and I really think he should have stopped at 2 or 3 kids per wife, but none of these people are hurting anyone (unless you count those who are butthurt by their existence).
Listen to them, they are describing their difficulties primarily revolving around each woman having to deal with the emotional aspect of having to share one man. It’s rather obvious to me that each woman would prefer to be his only partner. Who has a stronger grip on these women? The man or their cult?
They were on a season of sister wives & I felt so awful for the first wife. She was trying to have another baby & struggling (miscarriages & just not getting pregnant) & at the EXACT same time is when he convinced her to let him have a 2nd wife. And this second wife became pregnant immediately WHILE the first was struggling. Edit: after perusal this, I see she had ANOTHER baby right after while the 1st wife is still trying.
Everything I’ve ever heard sister wives say about each other – all the bonuses to the lifestyle – could apply to a biological or adopted sister, a sister-in-law, a best friend, or a close neighbor who becomes your best friend without having sex with the same man. This leaves me always wondering why it’s so important for women to share a man? The only thing I could come up with is it’s a lifestyle that allows women to limit sexual contact for those to would prefer it be limited.
There is a lot of judgement on this comment section. These are adults who are making the decision to do this. They deal with more jealousy than most people but they also do have an abundance of love through their faith and extra support. I completely understand why people do this and I’m not religious at all, even slightly. Raising kids with only two parents or just one is not healthy and many marriages are not healthy. So leave other people up to their own decisions.
Seems like a pretty busy life. I would NEVER agree with having a husband who has/wants to have another wife, but respect to them that they can live with the jealousy and the fact that another woman lives with them. As long as they don’t force polygamy on their children, it’s good. Also, they keep talking that they do it for religious purposes, anyone know what religion?
I can’t believe how many hater’s there are making comments on here, when all the same emotions they accuse this family of are also a part of a monogamous relationship. I’m monogamous and I can tell you life isn’t perfect in our relationship either. I think it would be great for my wife to have a sister (wife) to help out and build a relationship with, as well as even myself to have a relationship with. Sometimes we expect too much out of one person. Adding another to our relationship I think would be extremely challenging as well as extremely rewarding for all three individuals, but I think with a net positive experience in life as a whole.
If my husband said let bring another wife in to our marriage I would be visiting my lawyer. I have 2 sisters and they were a nightmare to live with I would end up hurting someone probably my husband if we did this. I suppose on the flip side the wives have a partner to give the husband hell. But each to their own I suppose. 🤷♀️
What about one woman several or a couple of husbands? It’s always one sided. Feature them as well. Let’s see the dynamics of that way too. Oh, I wish them the best too. ♥️👍🏼 If it works for them it works. It’s not up to us to judge but to learn more about it from different perspectives. Love doesn’t judge, remember?
Really bad set up for the 2nd wife. If spiritual husband dies, wife 1 will probably get everything . It’s always a bad scenario for the wife’s after the first one because they don’t have a safety net. They don’t get 1/2 the stuff if he leaves, and don’t get stuff if he dies (unless he makes a will, but if he is as religious as he seems, I don’t think he made a will)
I think maybe if the legal wife did not seem so hurt and miserable I’d each their own, they are consenting adults . I think if maybe the legal wife was not having fertility issues she might be happier . Right now it seems like she is perusal her husband raise a family with anothet woman and she is the live in baby sitter that he screws when the “other” wifey isn’t in the mood
I don’t understand why people are attacking them so much .. when it’s a woman with multiple partners I don’t see this much backlash and when the wife tells the husband that she is bi sexual and wants a female partner that doesn’t get as much backlash either You realise this is how it literally was for most of humanity for the lack of wealth and resources. It’s not the preferred lifestyle of the vast majority of people including myself as a married women but all im saying if both of them are consenting and are ok with it then i see the backlash being a double standard and is truly shaming these women for doing whatever they want to do which shouldn’t never be the case for any woman
Colton Cares for the second wife but you can see how he holds, then kisses the second wife at 0230 he loves the bearer of his children the second. He even looks into second wife’s eyes while she speaks he is enamored by her. The first wife is living in their home and i wouldn’t be surprised if they wouldn’t have kicked her out if divorce wasn’t frowned upon so much.
Dude what’s wrong with these people making up suff like they don’t like Each Other they look perfectly fine now what else do you want him to do,sent each other flying kisses? The people who do monogamy marriage are they dancing and singing all the time? they behave the same that’s how normally people live I don’t know what these people are finding and saying that they look comfortable and etc… these people just got a pain in the @ss cause they hate polygamy in general
It’s truly surprising how some comments here are so full of judgment! If a man has two wives, suddenly it becomes a topic for discussions and criticisms. But imagine if it were a woman with two husbands… who knows how many different reactions we’d have! It’s interesting how the same situation can be perceived so differently based on gender. Perhaps it’s time to reassess some perspectives and stop labeling based on gender stereotypes.
the same people in this comments section throwing shade on this relationship, acting all butthurt and jealous that this dude has 2 wives are the same people who will see a pimp and his women and just laugh at them, and say things like “pimpin aint easy but somebody gotta do it” and other such nonsense like that. women are supposed to submit to their man. period. how much you wana bet people talking smack in here have or will be ran through by their wives in divorce court while this man will still be married?
The first wife should pack up and leave him. I am not spiritual or religious, but maybe there is a bigger reason as to why the universe doesn’t want you to have this man’s baby, and I think it has something to do with the stress and unhappiness his actions have put upon you. There are plenty of toe headed men out there, and this one is not worth all of the drama and heartache.
Each to their own, just don’t try to convince me it’s better than living with and loving your soulmate and it’s you two against the rest of the world. This is kind of just practical and very animal like, rather than deep and meaningful. Certainly not for the women wich are just a commodity. Ahh, religion…you always bring people back to the middle ages. 🙄
What religion are they that they are saying it’s normal for them ? Utah right so FLDS but they are clearly not FLDS by the way they dress . But can’t be LDS since only one partner is allowed or they can’t do any LDS stuff . Sooo like ? explain ? Also something about this seemed off ? Like tension nothing seemed super happy
O kingdom of God God. You are an angel with beautiful eyes sanctified by God. God created humans, male and female. The Lord blessed them, and the Lord said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and conquer it. Dominate over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over all the beasts that creep on the earth.” God said, I will give you every plant that has seed in all the earth and every tree that bears seed. This will be your food.
Gosh,do you have rattlesnakes? Seems like you would with the dry ness and brush. I would be so nervous walking through the dessert, I am terrified of rattlesnakes here inCO. I believe you have a right to pursue your beliefs and others need to pursue theirs without judging you. Jesus says to leave that up to God.