Why is Polygamy Illegal in the US?
Polygamy, the practice of marrying multiple spouses, has been illegal in the United States for over a century. In 1862, the federal government banned polygamy through the Morrill Tariff Act, and since then, all 50 states have made it illegal through their own laws. But why is polygamy illegal in the US?
The Early Days of Polygamy in the US
In the early days of American history, polygamy was not uncommon. Many religious groups, including Mormons, practiced polygamy as a way of life. However, in 1852, the Mormon church officially renounced polygamy, and it was not until the mid-1800s that polygamy became a significant issue in the US.
The Morrill Tariff Act of 1862
In 1862, the Morrill Tariff Act was passed, which made it illegal for any citizen of the United States to contract marriage with more than one person at a time. The act was primarily aimed at restricting the spread of Mormon polygamy in Utah, which was a hotbed of polygamous activity at the time.
The Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887
In 1887, the Edmunds-Tucker Act was passed, which further criminalized polygamy in the US. The act made it illegal for any citizen of the United States to enter into a polygamous marriage, and it also revoked the right of women to vote in Utah, which was seen as a way of curbing the power of polygamous women.
Why Polygamy is Illegal Today
So, why is polygamy illegal in the US today? There are several reasons for this:
- Equal Protection Clause: The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law to all citizens. Polygamy, which allows men to marry multiple women, is seen as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
- Adultery: Polygamy is also seen as a form of adultery, which is illegal in most states.
- Marriage and Divorce: Polygamy complicates the concept of marriage and divorce, which are already complex legal institutions.
- Society and Culture: Polygamy is not accepted in mainstream American society and is seen as incompatible with American values.
What is the Difference Between Polygamy and Polyamory?
While polygamy and polyamory are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Polygamy is the practice of marrying multiple spouses, while polyamory is the practice of having multiple romantic relationships outside of marriage.
Types of Polygamy
There are three main types of polygamy:
- Polygyny: This is the practice of one man marrying multiple women.
- Polyandry: This is the practice of one woman marrying multiple men.
- Group Marriage: This is the practice of multiple men and women marrying each other in a single group.
The Future of Polygamy in the US
While polygamy is currently illegal in the US, there are signs that attitudes towards it are changing. In recent years, there have been calls to legalize polygamy in some states, and some religious groups have begun to accept polygamy as a legitimate form of marriage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, polygamy is illegal in the US because it is seen as discriminatory, unconstitutional, and incompatible with American values. While there are different forms of polygamy, the practice is currently not accepted in mainstream American society. However, as attitudes towards polygamy continue to evolve, it is possible that we may see changes to the laws governing polygamy in the US in the future.
References
- The Morrill Tariff Act of 1862
- The Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887
- The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution
- "The History of Polygamy in the US" by the Smithsonian Institution
- "Polygamy: A History" by Dr. Brian Q. Cannon
- "Polyamory: The Benefits and Drawbacks" by Verywell Mind