The Utah DA has
downgraded polygyny
from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Bigamy is the act of legally having more than one spouse at the same time which is against the Law in most countries.

Polygyny, in most cases, is de facto/common law marriage and is thus not "against the Law" since no legally binding contract is signed.

The fact stands that Law enforcement agencies in the USA do not prosecute folk for practicing polygyny. Warren Jeffs was not tried for polygyny, Tom Green was not prosecuted for practicing polygyny, and the group in Texas are not being pursued for practicing polygyny. Hopefully the American public have more brains than some media groups who see polygamy on trial whenever a perpetrator within such marriages is on trial for his/her infringement.

The Utah DA has downgraded polygyny and has no intention of prosecuting folks who life this lifestyle, but seeks to prosecute abuses no matter where they are found. His job would be much easier if polygyny was recognized.

Polygyny is not recognized and too often agencies bound to pursue abuse are operating with great difficulty in vaporous grey environments. Imagine a chicken stretching for the grass just outside its reach through the cage wire. This is how agencies operate at times when trying to prosecute wrongdoing in some polygynous communities. Just like the chickens neck, its a mess.

Polygyny must be decriminalized immediately for at least these reasons;
1. Polygyny is not against God's Law so why legislate contrary to God? And aren't we supposed to embrace freedom of religion?

2. To legislate against those who, in all good conscience, seek to serve God and His laws, is a denial of human rights and discrimination. It marginalizes those who have as much right to be recognized as any other member of society. America embraces the Word of God but would be obliged to condemn Abraham and most of the Old Testament saints because of its failure to acknowledge polygyny.

3. Not all individuals (or cultures, societies) are monogamous and to legislate against such individuals is manifestly intolerant by those who espouse tolerance.

4. To legislate against folks within our own society who may not structure their families exactly like we do, and to demand they comply with our position is a pointless exercise, historically proven.

5. By failing to legally recognize what exists and continues to do so facilitates ignorance by limiting freedom to present points of view without prejudice.

6. Failure to decriminalize polygyny cultivates abuse by impeding the enforcement of the Biblically, universally defined codes of practice for marriage. The law in the matter of polygyny is legal confusion for its enforcers. Polygyny should be enjoyed in clearly defined, legally protected ways.

Observations.
Imagine a FLDS commune. Perhaps some sort of assumed authority in that community might hand around women as wives This is abuse not freedom of religion. Marriage is a human right of choice for any who are of age to make such a choice. Marriage is not a choice others should be forcing upon anyone. Imagine throwing a prophet in jail for abuse of human rights?  That would put a sudden halt to forcing 16 year old girls into any marriage against their will. Perhaps the reason why 16 year old girls can't speak out is because the law is impoverished and impotent by non-recognition of polygyny.

What if polygyny was recognized and in such a commune any husband or wife who had their marriage dissolved against their wishes could then pursue action against the home breaker. That would send a chill up the spine of those who think they can manipulate other peoples marriages. Perhaps charges of abduction could be laid or even trading in human lives. Slavery lives under many guises.

What if a wife in a polygynous marriage was mercilessly thrown out of home without a penny to fend for herself and her children. If polygyny was recognized then she would have every power of the law to sue her discarding husband for her share of his estate or even the commune in which they live. I can see some FLDS communities calling emergency board meetings now.

What if polygyny was recognized and the fifth wife was given nothing. She could appeal to the law for all that was equally hers in marriage. That would slow down some men in taking lots of wives because they can treat the lesser wives as slaves or concubines.

Perhaps those more conversant with the laws of the land might know that under common law such opportunities of action already exist.

Perhaps we need a wide publicity campaign to assure those living in restrictive polygynous communes that they can embrace the Law for their own protection. Now the only course is to discard polygyny for monogamy, enjoying recognition and the Law, which may not be their first choice. Turning to monogamy Law for protection is not a denial of polygyny but is seen as such.

Polygyny is not the mother of abuse, lack of legal protection is the catalyst for abuse.

It must be said that decriminalization of polygyny would certainly open up many areas of action for the law enforcing agencies to prosecute abuse in such families.

Decriminalization of polygyny would also enable any practicing polygynous family to live fearlessly and in peace before the law and their community. Husbands and wives who embrace polygyny would do so knowing they had legal obligations before the Law and not live under the vagaries of an appointed religious authority. It would also provide them with all the protection the law affords against those who would abuse or ridicule them for their choices.

Polygamy is not sin, never has been, never will be.

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