Polygamy Discussions in Canada

Polygamists in Canada

Polygamy vs. Christian Monogamous Marriage

  • Definition of polygamy: The practice of having more than one spouse simultaneously.

  • Contrast with Christian monogamous marriage: A marriage structure where one individual is married to one partner at a time, often influenced by biblical teachings that emphasize monogamy.

Court Cases

  • Reynolds v. United States (1879)

    • A significant case regarding the legal status of polygamy in the United States.

    • Supreme Court ruling upheld the conviction of George Reynolds under the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act, affirming that religious belief cannot excuse criminal acts.

  • Late Corporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints v. United States (1890)

    • Case concerning the legality of polygamy practiced by some members of the LDS Church.

    • Resulted in the church's official renunciation of polygamy and reinforced the principle of monogamy under the law.

Other Marital Arrangements Ostracized

  • Discussion on non-traditional marital arrangements that face societal rejection, including:

    • Aboriginal Marriages

    • Cultural practices that may include forms of marriage not recognized by mainstream Canadian society, leading to stigmatization.

    • Doukhobors

    • A religious group with unique marital customs that may differ from typical Canadian practices; often in conflict with conventional legal marriage definitions.

Academic Arguments: For and Against Polygamy

  • Exploration of scholarly discourse surrounding polygamy, featuring:

    • Stephen Kent

    • An advocate for the study of polygamous communities, focusing on the social dynamics and personal freedoms within these arrangements.

    • Lori G. Beaman

    • A critical voice in the discourse, examining the cultural and ethical implications of polygamous practices and the potential risks involved.

Media and Polygamy

  • Coverage by National Post on polygamy, particularly an opinion piece by Lorne Gunter titled "There's No Such Thing as Good Polygamy"

    • Discusses the negative aspects of polygamy based on societal impacts, human rights concerns, and personal testimonies.

    • Link to the article: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/lorne-gunter-theres-no-such-thing-as-good-polygamy

Modern Polygamy in Canada

  • A contemporary view on polygamy, exemplified by a specific investigation into practices within polygamous communities in Canada.

  • Reference to the documentary "16x9 Inside Bountiful: Polygamy Investigation"

    • Air Date: April 11, 2012

    • Focuses on the polygamous community in Bountiful, British Columbia and the legal and social issues surrounding it.

    • Link to the documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UixdcBdOjNM