Is polygamy a criminal offense or is it just not legally binding?

Question

Will they throw people in jail for being "married" to more than one person or is it like gay marriage in most states where it's just not legally binding?

Answer 1

Polygamy is illegal in all 50 states, and it is criminal. There are a few FLDS polygamists in jail in Texas right now, mostly on child rape charges, but some for polygamy.



The statute is Utah Code Ann. § 76-7-101(1) (2003): "A person is guilty of bigamy when, knowing he has a husband or wife, the person purports to marry another person or cohabits with another person.” The law, therefore, applies not just to individuals who have obtained multiple marriage licenses, but also to those who are legally married to only one person, while also engaging in other marriage-like relationships that are not recognized by the state.



It is badly enforced. Utah hates to see Mormon and polygamy in the same headline and lets it go.

Answer 2

"Peanut Butter" is wrong. Polygamy is a criminal offense in Canada but not in the US.

Results and/or consequences of polygamy may be criminal such as bigamy, adultery or under age of legal consent, but many courts wish to avoid trial in these cases as polygamy has become more and more socially accepted in the past 40 years.

Just as same sex marriage was, Polygamy is not recognized as a legal bond or partnership eligible for state and federal entitlements but many cases are now before state supreme courts debating the constitutionality of a legal bond regarding polygamy.

Answer 3

It is a criminal offense, but I suspect the punishment is more likely to be probation, community service, or a fine, rather than imprisonment.



ETA: T's answer makes no sense. Bigamy, which he defines as criminal, is entering into a marriage with a second person while still married to the first.

Answer 4

Criminal Record Search Database : http://www.SearchVerifyInfo.com/Help