Where in the US is polygamy illegal?
Asked by: Andreanne Willms | Last update: May 28, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (26 votes)
Polygamy, the practice of being married to multiple people at once, is illegal in all 50 U.S. states and territories, with bigamy (marrying someone while already legally married) being the specific criminal offense, punishable by fines and/or imprisonment, though enforcement varies, especially in places like Utah where fundamentalist groups still practice it but authorities focus on abuse rather than the act itself.
Where is polygamy illegal in the US?
Polygamy as a crime originated in the common law, and it is now outlawed in every state. In the United States, polygamy was declared unlawful through the passing of Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Act of 1882.
In what state is it legal to be a polygamist?
No state permits its citizens to enter into more than one concurrent, legally-licensed marriage. People who attempt to, or are able to, secure a second marriage license are generally prosecuted for bigamy. The terms "bigamy" and "polygamy" are sometimes confused or used interchangeably.
Where is polygamy not allowed?
Globally, the legality and acceptance of polygamy vary. It is illegal in the Americas and most of Europe, recognized for Muslims in parts of Asia, and outlawed yet tolerated due to loopholes in some African countries.
How many wives can a Mormon have in Utah?
In Utah, a Mormon man can legally have only one wife, as the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) ended the practice of polygamy (plural marriage) in 1890, and it remains illegal under Utah state law. While some fundamentalist groups still practice it, the mainstream Church excommunicates members who do, though they still perform temple sealings for multiple partners in the afterlife.
Can U.S. Law Handle Polygamy? - Professor Adrienne Davis
Which religion allows multiple wives?
Islam and fundamentalist sects of Mormonism (Latter-day Saints) are religions that permit or historically practiced polygamy (multiple wives), with Islam allowing up to four wives under strict conditions of fairness, while the main LDS Church officially banned it in 1890 but splinter groups (like the FLDS Church) continue the practice, often called "plural marriage". Some traditional African cultures with Buddhist influences also saw polygamy before it was outlawed in places like Myanmar.
Is mormonism growing or shrinking?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is still growing globally, with record membership numbers, but the rate of growth has slowed significantly, particularly in the U.S., with concerns about retention, declining birth rates among members, and challenges in some regions like West Africa, even as convert baptisms saw a recent surge. While total numbers increase (over 17.5 million members), some trends, like fewer children being blessed and high inactivity, suggest future stagnation or decline if current patterns continue, especially in developed nations, even as growth booms in places like East Africa.
Is it a felony to get married twice?
Penal Code § 281 PC is the California law that prohibits bigamy, which is when you marry one person while you are still married to someone else. It can be a misdemeanor or a felony carrying up to three years in prison.
How many wives can a man have in Turkey?
Similar to most governments, the Turkish government abolished polygamy, which was officially criminalized with the adoption of the Turkish Civil Code in 1926.
What did Jesus say about polygamy?
Jesus taught that marriage is a lifelong, monogamous union between one man and one woman, referencing Genesis's "one flesh" concept, thereby implicitly condemning polygamy as a departure from God's original design, even though the Old Testament permitted it. He reinforced this by upholding the sanctity of the original male-female pairing, suggesting any subsequent unions (after divorce) would constitute adultery, reinforcing a monogamous norm.
What state has the most polygamy?
Mormon fundamentalism
Polygamy among these groups persists today in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Canada, and some neighboring states, as well as up to 15,000 isolated individuals with no organized church affiliation.
Are sister wives illegal?
No, polygamy (multiple legal spouses) is illegal in all U.S. states, but people can live in "sister wife" arrangements, which are spiritual unions not recognized by law, though cohabitation with multiple partners can be prosecuted under bigamy laws in some places like Utah, which recently reduced penalties. The reality show "Sister Wives" highlights this, as the family only had one legal marriage, but faced legal challenges over their cohabitation, leading to court cases that struck down parts of Utah's bigamy law.
What are the four types of polygamy?
It exists in two main forms: polygyny, where one man is married to several women, and polyandry, where one woman is married to several men. A third form, group marriage between several men and women, is rare; same-sex polygamy is very rare.
Can a man marry two wives legally in the US?
Under U.S. law, bigamy and polygamy are considered crimes, which creates problems for some foreign-born families seeking to immigrate to the United States. In many parts of the world, it is culturally acceptable or normal to have more than one husband or wife.
How common is polygamy in Utah today?
In fact, today, it is estimated that somewhere between 30,000 and 50,000 polygamists live in Utah, representing more than 1% of the state's population, and meaning that you are 2-3 times more likely to meet a polygamist in Utah than a Jew like myself.
Can you go to jail for polygamy in the US?
In general, those convicted of polygamy can face fines, imprisonment, or both. If there are additional issues such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or child abuse, the penalties can be more severe, including longer prison sentences, higher fines, and potential loss of parental rights.
How many wives can you legally have in Saudi Arabia?
Polygamous marriages are legally recognized for men in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic Sharia law, which allows for Muslim men to marry up to four wives, provided that he treats them equally and shares all his wealth equally.
Can couples kiss in public in Turkey?
Public displays of affection are not commonly accepted in Turkey. It's best to avoid excessive hugging or kissing in public spaces. Examples: Holding Hands: Acceptable, but avoid more intimate gestures in public.
What country allows a woman to have more than one husband?
Known cases. Polyandry in Tibet was a common practice and continues to a lesser extent today. A survey of 753 Tibetan families by Tibet University in 1988 found that 13% practiced polyandry. Polyandry in India still exists among minorities, and also in Bhutan, and the northern parts of Nepal.
What is the 7 7 7 rule in marriage?
The 777 rule for marriage is a relationship guideline for consistent quality time: a date night every 7 days, a weekend getaway (or night away) every 7 weeks, and a romantic holiday (vacation) every 7 months, designed to keep couples connected, break routines, and foster emotional intimacy by intentionally scheduling fun and reconnection, not just fancy outings.
What is the 5 year remarry rule?
Ideally, an individual who obtained a green card through marriage should wait at least 5 years before getting remarried to a foreign national.
What is the GREY divorce trend?
Grey divorce or late-life divorce is the demographic trend of an increasing divorce rate for older ("grey-haired") couples in long-lasting marriages, a term typically used for people over 50. Those who divorce may be called silver splitters. Divorcing late in life can cause financial difficulties.
Is Chick-fil-A owned by the Mormon church?
Many of the company's values are influenced by the Christian religious beliefs of its late founder, S. Truett Cathy (1921–2014), a devout Southern Baptist. Reflecting a commitment to Sunday Sabbatarianism, all Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed for business on Sundays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
What is durfing in Mormon?
"Durfing" among some Mormon youth refers to a slang term for a sexual practice, often described as a form of mutual masturbation or "soaking" (lying on top of each other without penetration) used to achieve physical intimacy while technically avoiding intercourse, due to the Church's strict chastity rules before marriage. The term has gained traction through social media and discussions about Mormon subcultures, sometimes appearing alongside surfing culture, but its primary meaning relates to these premarital sexual activities within that community.
What billionaire resigns from the LDS Church?
The prominent "Mormon billionaire who left the faith" is Jeff T. Green, the founder of The Trade Desk, who formally resigned from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in late 2021, citing the church's wealth, history, social issues (especially LGBTQ+ rights), and financial transparency as reasons, while simultaneously donating significantly to an LGBTQ+ advocacy group.