Polygamy laws in USA?

Question

I'm confused. I understand that bigamy is illegal; being LEGALLY married to more than one person. But is polygamy really illegal in some states when only 2 people are married and the additional spouses are just that, spouses. Maybe they're "spiritually" married, or in some kind of union, but they're not legally married so it's not bigamy. Is this really illegal in some states? Shouldn't it be up to the people what they do in their private lives? Obviously they need to be honest about their living arrangements in terms of welfare/benefits and taxation, so that they're no claiming any money they're not entitled to. But how can some states actually ban people having more than 1 consensual relationship? I personally wouldn't do it, but I also wouldn't ever have a relationship with anyone of the same sex, doesn't mean I can tell other people not to do it. So, like homosexuality... gay marriage is currently illegal in most places, but being gay or being in a relationship with someone of the same sex isn't illegal. Shouldn't it be the same for polygamists? Illegal to legally marry more than 1 person but not illegal to live with them or consider them spouses? Wikipedia says "All forms of cohabitation outlawed" in some states. Isn't this taking away people's free will? I don't understand it.

Update:

Yes, how is it that the playboy mansion is allowed but a family of 1 man and 2 women can be thrown in jail?

Common sense isn&#39;t anymore.. · Accepted Answer

I've never understood how they prosecute this, because legally there is only two spouses. There is no law against living with more than one person. (Hugh Hefner people.... Hugh Hefner.....)

I don't think the law should change, I think marriage should be between two people but if more want to live together (as long as they are all adults) more power to them. Not my business.

Fact check · Answer

Simple. The statutes say people who 'live together as man and wife'. It isn't a requirement to actually marry the multiple partners.

Laws take away people's 'free will' all the time. You don't have the freedom to rob banks.

Polygamy is a terrible marriage system that damages the societies that allow it. Laws aren't just about doing whatever feels good to you at the moment. There are bigger issues.

Anonymous · Answer

In Utah, it is illegal to present yourself as married to more than one person, even just "spiritually." The Brown family from "Sister Wives" were under investigation for just that reason.

In general, it is completely legal to have sex with several different people every night, live with different people, have children with different people, etc. etc. But you can't marry more than one person at a time, even though everyone agrees and wants it. What kind of sense is that?

An adult, regardless of religion, race, gender, or sexual orientation, should be free to share love, sex, residence, and marriage with ANY consenting adults, without discrimination, bullying, or prosecution.

CarbonDated · Answer

Polygamy is illegal in all US states.  However, the US will not prosecute a polygamous family that comes from another country where it is legal. They can't marry more women, however.

Polygamy is HARMFUL to women, children and the men who must do without wives.

Anonymous · Answer

Wow, it's illegal to have more than 1 wife?

Gargle · Answer

Will the laws change if an LDS Bishop becomes President?  Hmmm....

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Polygamy laws in USA?

6 Answers