Table of Contents
Polygamy, the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, is illegal in most countries around the world. In the United States, for example, polygamy is against the law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This is based on the principle of monogamy, which is the belief that a person should have only one spouse at a time.
However, there are a few countries and regions where polygamy is legal. In some Muslim-majority countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Yemen, polygamy is allowed within the context of Islamic law. In these countries, a man is permitted to have up to four wives, as long as he can provide for them financially and treat them all equally.
In Africa, some countries like Chad, Central African Republic, Gabon, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Ivory Coast, polygamy is legal and is widely practiced. In these countries, it is seen as a traditional and cultural practice that has been passed down through generations.
In India, the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 allows for polygamy among Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs but the Polygamous Marriage Prohibition Act of 1949 makes it illegal for Muslims to practice polygamy.
In summary, while polygamy is illegal in most countries, there are a few exceptions where it is allowed, typically within the context of religious or cultural tradition.
In Canada, polygamy is illegal under Section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which states that “Every one who practises or enters into or in any manner agrees or consents to practice or enter into any form of polygamy is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.” This law applies to all forms of polygamy, whether it is polygyny (one man with multiple wives) or polyandry (one woman with multiple husbands).
The law against polygamy in Canada is based on the idea that the practice is harmful to women and children, and can lead to abuse and exploitation. The Supreme Court of Canada has also upheld the law as constitutional, stating that it is a reasonable limit on religious freedom in the interest of protecting vulnerable individuals.
However, it should be noted that the law is not enforced against individuals who are already in a polygamous marriage and came to Canada with their multiple partners before the law was enacted.
In summary, polygamy is illegal in Canada and punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years. The law is based on the idea that the practice is harmful to women and children and is a reasonable limit on religious freedom in the interest of protecting vulnerable individuals.
What’s polygamy
Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. There are two main types of polygamy: polygyny, in which a man has multiple wives, and polyandry, in which a woman has multiple husbands.
Polygyny is the most common form of polygamy and is found in many cultures and societies around the world. It is often based on the belief that men are capable of supporting multiple wives and children financially and emotionally.
Polyandry, on the other hand, is much less common and is typically found in societies where resources are scarce and it is difficult for men to support multiple families. In these cases, having multiple husbands can provide a woman with greater security and support.
Polygamy is a controversial practice and is illegal in most countries around the world. It is often viewed as a violation of human rights and can lead to the exploitation and abuse of women and children. In some cultures and societies, however, it is seen as a traditional and accepted practice.
What states are OK with polygamy?
Polygamy is illegal in all 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia. The federal government has also taken a strong stance against polygamy, with the Edmunds Act of 1882 making it a federal crime to enter into or perform a polygamous marriage. This law was later strengthened by the Mann Act, which made it illegal to transport women across state lines for the purpose of polygamy.
However, it should be noted that there are some communities in the United States where polygamy is practiced among certain religious groups, such as some sects of the Mormon Church. These communities often operate in isolation and are not officially recognized by the government.
It is worth mentioning that the law of the land is not always followed, and there are individuals and communities who practice polygamy despite it being illegal. In some cases, the law enforcement might not prosecute those who live in polygamy if they are not causing any harm to the society.
In summary, polygamy is illegal in all 50 states of the United States and the District of Columbia, and there are no states that “OK” with the practice. The federal government has also made it a federal crime to enter into or perform a polygamous marriage, and there may be communities that practice polygamy but they are not officially recognized by the government.
Legality of polygamy
Polygamy, or the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, is illegal in most countries around the world. The laws against polygamy vary from country to country, but the general principle is that a person should have only one spouse at a time.
In the United States, for example, polygamy is against the law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The federal government has also taken a strong stance against polygamy, with the Edmunds Act of 1882 making it a federal crime to enter into or perform a polygamous marriage. This law was later strengthened by the Mann Act, which made it illegal to transport women across state lines for the purpose of polygamy.
In Canada, polygamy is also illegal under Section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada. The law states that “Every one who practises or enters into or in any manner agrees or consents to practice or enter into any form of polygamy is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.”
In the United Kingdom, polygamy is not explicitly illegal, but bigamy, which is the act of marrying someone while already being married to another person, is a criminal offense.
In Australia, the Marriage Act 1961 and the Marriage Act 1994 prohibit marrying another person while still being married, and this applies to polygamous marriages.
In most of the European countries, the law prohibits polygamy and bigamy is considered as a criminal offense.
In some Muslim-majority countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran, and Pakistan, polygamy is allowed within the context of Islamic law. In these countries, a man is permitted to have up to four wives, as long as he can provide for them financially and treat them all equally.
In summary, while polygamy is illegal in most countries, there are a few exceptions where it is allowed, typically within the context of religious or cultural tradition. The laws against polygamy are based on the principle of monogamy, which is the belief that a person should have only one spouse at a time.
8 Countries Where Polygamy Is Legal
Saudi Arabia: Polygamy is legal in Saudi Arabia, and it is based on Islamic law. A man is permitted to have up to four wives, as long as he can provide for them financially and treat them all equally.
Yemen: Polygamy is legal in Yemen and it is based on Islamic law. A man is permitted to have up to four wives, as long as he can provide for them financially and treat them all equally.
Iran: Polygamy is legal in Iran and it is based on Islamic law. A man is permitted to have up to four wives, as long as he can provide for them financially and treat them all equally.
Chad: Polygamy is legal in Chad and it is widely practiced as a traditional and cultural practice that has been passed down through generations.
Central African Republic: Polygamy is legal in the Central African Republic and it is widely practiced as a traditional and cultural practice that has been passed down through generations.
Gabon: Polygamy is legal in Gabon and it is widely practiced as a traditional and cultural practice that has been passed down through generations.
Mali: Polygamy is legal in Mali and it is widely practiced as a traditional and cultural practice that has been passed down through generations.
Senegal: Polygamy is legal in Senegal and it is widely practiced as a traditional and cultural practice that has been passed down through generations.
It should be noted that in some countries, the law allows for polygamy but the practice is not very common, and in some other countries, the law allows for polygamy but with strict conditions. Also, it’s worth mentioning that laws and regulations are subject to change and this list may not be up to date.
Last Words
In conclusion, polygamy, the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, is illegal in most countries around the world. The laws against polygamy are based on the principle of monogamy, which is the belief that a person should have only one spouse at a time.
However, there are a few exceptions where polygamy is allowed, typically within the context of religious or cultural tradition. In some Muslim-majority countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iran, and Pakistan, polygamy is allowed within the context of Islamic law, where a man is permitted to have up to four wives as long as he can provide for them financially and treat them all equally. In Africa, some countries like Chad, Central African Republic, Gabon, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Ivory Coast, polygamy is legal and is widely practiced as a traditional and cultural practice that has been passed down through generations.
It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding polygamy are subject to change and may not be up to date. It is also worth noting that the practice of polygamy, even if it is legal, can be controversial and can lead to the exploitation and abuse of women and children.
