Posted: Mar 30, 2008, 4:15 PM CST
So, polygamy...
Polygamy exists in three specific forms, including polygyny (one man having multiple wives), polyandry (one woman having multiple husbands), or group marriage (some combination of polygyny and polyandry). Historically, all three practices have been found, but polygyny is by far the most common.
In most countries, bigamy is illegal. However, in some countries - including America and Canada - the practice of polygamy is tolerated largely because
it is done as a religious practice (and thus involves issues of religious freedom), and
the people involved do not actually marry before the law. Rather, a man will legally marry one woman, and ‘marry’ additional wives in what they consider to be a ’spiritual’ sense.
The American taxpayer pays for much of this lifestyle. Recent records show in one year residents here collected more than $8-million from social services — including food stamps, welfare, health care — but the entire town paid less than $100,000 in income taxes.
“They are told to go on welfare,” Jessop said. “It’s called, “bleeding the beast.” They find it amusing that Satan is supporting God’s work.”
- Source: One Woman’s Crusade, ABC News, Mar. 4, 2004
This is one reason the practice is now under scrutiny in America - particularly in Colorado and Utah, states with significant polygamist communities.
Other reasons why polygamy has come under fire:
Some polygamists ‘marry’ underage girls, often (though not always) against their will
In some religious polygamist sects, women are treated as property, and are subject to arranged marriages...
Just wondering what you guys think about this?
More than one wife/husband ok or no?: click here to read the entire thread »