Polygamous marriages may not be performed in the United Kingdom, and if a polygamous marriage is performed, the already-married person may be guilty of the crime of bigamy under section 11 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.

How did polygamy become illegal?

The US federal government threatened The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and made polygamy illegal through the enforcement of Acts of Congress such as the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act. The LDS Church formally outlawed the practice in 1890, in a document labeled The Manifesto.

Why is bigamy illegal?

Criminality of Bigamy The original ruling in 1878 viewed any form of plural spouses, or wives at the time, to exist as bigamy or polygamy and is illegal no matter what religion practices the activity. The bigamous marriage is a void relationship legally and the spouse affected has grounds to seek an annulment.

Is bigamy a crime in UK?

Bigamy is a statutory offence in England and Wales. It is committed by a person who, being married to another person, goes through a ceremony capable of producing a valid marriage with a third person. The offence is created by section 57 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861: Bigamy is triable either way.