Polygamy in America

Throughout the ages, polygamy has been present within certain societies. Though the practice continues today, it is most prevalent among religious sects, such as Islam and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In fact, within those countries of the world that permit plural marriage, it is specifically only for Muslims, and the law permits up to four wives.
But, for now, let’s focus on America, where polygamy is illegal. The practice received public attention in this country in the mid-1800’s, when the “Mormon’s,” properly known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, instituted the practice for some members of their faith. It was established as a law from God and as a means of survival, after a mass exodus across the plains, to escape persecution. The commandment was then retracted after fifty-five years of practice. Some members wanted to continue practicing polygamy, but the leader’s fiercely opposed it. There was strong enough contention that a splinter cell broke off of the church, forming the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS).
The FLDS church still practices polygamy to this day. There are an estimated 38,000 members living across the mid-west and Canada (Anderson, 2010, p.46). The main intent of the practice seems to be to build up the “Celestial family” that will remain together for eternity. The belief is widely accepted that the family is eternal and must be built up to please God. Perhaps, before April 2008, you had no idea who the FLDS group was, along with the rest of us. But the group received attention after police stormed a compound in Texas, where there was reported sexual and physical abuse taking place. The reports turned up bogus, but after further investigation they were able to charge the man known as the “prophet,” for officiating a marriage of a 14-year-old-girl to a fellow (adult) church member(Anderson, 2010, p.46).
There are many details still unfolding concerning the practice of polygamy in the FLDS church. It remains a slow process, considering that the culture of the FLDS members is so insular, and their lives are cut-off from the outside world. However, the practice of polygamy remains illegal in America.
Works Cited
Anderson, S. (2010 Feb). The polygamist. National Geographic, 217, 34-61.