Monogamy, bigamy and polygamy.

Most of us have a good understanding of monogamy and most couples are involved in monogamous relationships, even if some men have mistresses, have affairs or are living in common-law relationships. Monogamy, by definition, is the marriage to only one wife or husband at a time. This is a legal union of a couple, performed by a legal authority, be the authority civil or religious.

Bigamy is the illegal act of having two wives or husbands at the same time. Although I do not have the statistics on prosecutions for bigamy, I must believe it is very low. As divorces today are fairly easy to obtain, the practice of bigamy is thereby discouraged. As well, couples often live as common-law partners rather than entering into bigamous relationships.

Recently a man in western Canada declared that he was a polygamist. He had quite a number of wives and many children. This action was sanctioned under the religious principles of his faith. He believes that under the Canadian Charter of Rights, he has the legal authority to do have multiple wives.

The state probably agrees that the Charter would work to the benefit of the accused, therefore he has not been charged with a criminal offense. Polygamy remains a crime but if the state does not prosecute, it may encourage a few others to commit polygamy.

Now, where do I stand on this matter? I believe that the state should not intervene in the situation where the marriages take place by a person qualified to perform the marriages according to the principles of the couple’s religious faith.

I do not believe that many men and women would ever consider entering into polygamous relationships. It would prove to be rather expensive living. Furthermore, it would take some control and willpower to maintain peace and harmony in a single home if a number of married people were living together in polygamous relationships.