Definition: Having more than one spouse at a time, such as one man with several wives or one woman with several husbands.
Although polygamy was criminalized by Abraham Lincoln in 1862, it is estimated that 30,000 individuals continue to be involved in polygamous relationships. Some reports put the number of polygamists at 100,000.
Polygamy and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints aka Morman Church:
Although historically, Joseph Smith had dozens of wives and Brigham Young had more than 50 wives, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will excommunicate any members who condone, encourage, practice, acknowledge, or advocate polygamy. The "great accomodation" which disavowed polygamy in the Mormon Church was passed in 1890.
Polygamy and Sects:
Groups such as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe they need to follow the early practice of polygamy as used by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. They think they need to have at least three wives in order to be accepted into heaven.Law enforcement leaders are prosecuting more polygamists because the practice often involves forcing young, underage girls into arranged marriages, child abuse, and welfare fraud.
Pronunciation: po·lyg·a·my
Also Known As: Plural marriage
Examples:
Warren Steed Jeffs is an infamous polygamist with 40-70 wives and nearly 60 children.
