Isn't the Anti poligamy law a federal law (including ALL 50 states Including Utah?

Question

some people in the religion site says poligamy is legal in Utah

Answer 1

No, Utah has a State law against polygamy. The Federal law against polygamy applies only in territories, and in DC. States are free to make their own law on the subject. (All of them ban it)

When Utah was a Territory, the official policy of the Mormon Church, which ran the government there, was that Polygamy was mandated by God.

Utah was applying for admission to the Union as a State, but the Federal Govt told the territorial legislature that so long as the Mormon Church, and by extension the government of Utah, allowed polygamy the Feds would not even consider Statehood.

The Elders of the Mormon Church therefore prayed and then came out and said "Oh, that bit about God mandating polygamy? He says now he was just kidding." The legislature passed a law banning it, and Utah got Statehood.

Richard

Answer 2

Actually, polygamy is considered illegal anywhere in the United States unless it infringes on someone's personal religious rights. Then it becomes a contest over which is more legally powerful, freedom of worship (a basic American right) or legal marriage laws.

The accommodation in Utah that is made is that most of the people who practice polygamy there agree to do so because their religion supports it, and they have the money & political power to back it up. It is not actually legal, but no one wants to challenge those persons rights to their form of religious worship (which includes their marriage laws).

Now if someone from the inside protests, then they have to be left free to choose their own way outside the communes (otherwise that is considered kidnapping and illegal forced confinement).

That is how it works.

Try watching 60 mins and Sunday morning sometimes, they do articles on this about 2x/year!

Answer 3

lol. There never was a policy MANDATING polygamy in mormon doctrine.

Two fundamental articles of faith came into conflict during the late 19th Century.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."
AND
"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

It was determined that the practice of polygamy was NOT ESSENTIAL to salvation, (despite a long history of high ranking officials declaring the opposite) and therefore that practice need yield to the federal prohibition.

This was done after the mormon church exhausted their legal challenges to the prohibition on polygamy...

The current leader is on record saying: ``It's behind us....I condemn it as a practice. It is not doctrinal. It is not legal.''

Answer 4

There are radical sects of Mormons in Utah (and other states) that practice Polygamy. Their argument is that God’s Law supersedes Federal law. However, they are often prosecuted in federal courts because young girls are often forced to marry an elder or relative, which constitutes statutory rape, incest, molestation, etc.

Answer 5

yes it is a law in Utah. If you are wondering why this practice goes on in Utah more so than other places, that is another question.

Answer 6

Yes, there is a federal law enacted in response to the mob's hatred of the Mormons. Until then, there was nothing illegal about polygamy.

Answer 7

To the best of my knowledge, it's illegal everywhere in the U.S., but in states such as Utah, it is most prevalent, and is still sometimes practiced in America.

Answer 8

No, it is not legal in the U.S. period! To have more than one spouse is called bigamy. Law throughout the U.S., Utah is no exception.

Answer 9

nope, not legal anywhere. some churches practice it but that does not mean it is legal. no laws against polyamory though.

Answer 10

Yes, and it supercedes any local laws.