the u.s. constitution says that polygamy is illegal but isn't polygamy part of the mormon religion? that being said wouldn't that part of the constitution be unconstitutional. the first amendment says freedom of religion but if there are restrictions on a religion the government is breaking it's own laws. what the hell? somebody tell me if i am right or not. the government is wrong, right?
2007-12-17 02:10:21 · 12 answers · asked by your worst nightmare 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
it's not always cults who practice polygamy are you saying that all mormons are part of some cult get real
2007-12-17 02:25:25 · update #1
I like what you have to say and have never thought about it before. I would say that the Government is putting it's foot in it's mouth...
I am completely against polygamy I'll add, but still feel that if it is part of a religion and a belief then the government should not restrict it's practice.
2007-12-17 02:18:53 · answer #1 · answered by joedudez 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've got some incorrect information.
1. Mormons DO NOT practice polygamy and CANNOT be polygamists. If they do, they'll be excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
(Note....there are some small split off groups that have some similarities to Mormons. Note, however, that the largest of these has about 12,000 members while the "Mormon" church has about 13 million. These people are not "mormons", however some do practice Polygamy).
2. About 5% of Mormons did in fact practice polygamy over 100 years ago and before Utah was part of the United States. Mormons believe in obeying the laws of the land.
I hope that answers your questions.
2007-12-18 15:27:53 · answer #2 · answered by Ender 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I came from a polygamist cult. I don't have anything against polygamy, and totally agree that the government is breaking it's own laws. And as for your question about mormons; no the typical lds mormon, they don't practice polygamy, but there is a cult that call themselves flds mormons, they do live polygamy.
But on the other hand the cult thing is another story....
2007-12-18 14:42:36 · answer #3 · answered by mad cook 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Polygamy is practiced all over the world. The Muslims practice it and they make up a large percentage of the world population. The Mormons gave up practicing it in the U.S. and those who chose to continue moved to Mexico with the exception of a few who still practice it today and are constantly having difficulties with the law. Polygamy is widely practiced in Africa as well. I lived in Taiwan and it is practiced there. Usually, when a husband is lost, the wife is taken in by the brother or some other family member and there is a religious ceremony to consummate the relationship. In the U.S. the laws are clearly in conflict on this issue.
2007-12-17 10:24:06 · answer #4 · answered by BillParkhurst 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually thought there was a clause or ammendment to offer a loophole if polygamy was grounded in one's religion. Islam also allows for polygamy, however most in the US don't practice it. Also, the majority of Mormons do not practice it as they officially abandoned it in the early 1900's. Only a small group of fundamental Mormons now allow it.
2007-12-17 10:25:43 · answer #5 · answered by M. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your reasoning is fallacious:
> the u.s. constitution says that polygamy is illegal
You must have a different copy of the Constitution then anyone else is familiar with :)
The commonly used copy says no such thing.
Any such restrictions are probably derived from English Common Law.
> isn't polygamy part of the mormon religion?
It was at one point, but it no longer is.
So, both suppositions are incorrect, meaning any conclusion is not related to reality either.
But, you do seem to have the basic idea down about the 1st Amendment....
2007-12-17 12:14:19 · answer #6 · answered by Barry C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The government is wrong!
How many wives someone has should not be the concern of the government
Some idiots also don't know the difference between polygamy, and the cults that are into pedophilia, not the same
2007-12-17 10:16:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
polygamy is regulated at the state level there is nothing in the constitution that says you can have multiple spouses. The first amendment says " Congress shall make no laws respecting and establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This means that congress wont give "respect" (or preference) to one religion over another one. The free exercise part means that congress cant tell you that it is illegal to be a member of a certain religious sect.
2007-12-17 10:25:17 · answer #8 · answered by eyecue_two 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Religion is no defense to criminal charges of bigamy, the Supreme Court has ruled. Reynolds v. United States, 98 U.S. 145 (1878).
The Mormon Church's official position is the same. Certain minority sects of the Mormon church still attempt to practice it.
** Note: This answer has not created an attorney-client relationship. This is a general discussion of the subject matter of your question and not legal advice. Local laws or your particular situation may change the general rules. For a specific answer to your question you should consult legal counsel with whom you can discuss all the facts of your case. **
2007-12-17 10:33:16 · answer #9 · answered by scottclear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, there will be conflicts between government and religion; it's impossible to separate them completely. Due to all the laws concerning married couples, I can understand banning polygamy to prevent people from abusing those benefits. In that instance, Mormons in America need to conform to US law. Likewise, I can't start a new religion where people abuse illegal drugs in order to attain altered states of awareness in search of "God" and expect legal access to those drugs. It's a sticky situation.
2007-12-17 10:20:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋