How Common Is Polygamy In Utah?
The Unique and Controversial Practice of Polygamy in the Beehive State
Utah, a state known for its breathtaking national parks, friendly locals, and delicious fry sauce. But there’s another aspect that often intrigues outsiders – polygamy. Yes, you read that right! This peculiar practice still exists in certain corners of Utah society, leading many to wonder just how common it really is. Here, we will delve into the fascinating world of polygamy in Utah and explore its prevalence among the population.
A Brief History of Polygamy in Utah
Origins and Religious Influence
Polygamy found its roots in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) during the early years of Mormonism. Joseph Smith Jr. , the founder of Mormonism himself, introduced this controversial practice around 1843 as part of a revelation he claimed to have received from God.
Polygyny appeared as a distinctive practice within Mormon culture and remained an integral component until 1890 when the LDS Church officially discontinued it due to considerable political pressure seeking statehood for Utah.
Despite denouncing polygamy at large, some offshoots from mainstream Mormonism continued practicing it under different names such as “plural marriage” or “the Principle. ” These groups are collectively known as fundamentalist Mormons who believe they are following Smith’s original teachings.
Polygyny: A form of polygamous marriage where one man has multiple wives.
Modern Perception and Legal Status
Utah holds an interesting position regarding polygamists today. While polygamy itself is illegal within all fifty states based on federal law since the 1879 Reynolds v. United States Supreme Court case ruling (which upheld bans on multiple marriages), prosecution rates have been relatively low over time in Utah compared to other states with polygamous communities. In other words, while polygamy remains illegal, it is not aggressively enforced in the Beehive State.
The Prevalence of Polygamy in Utah
Estimating Numbers: A Tricky Endeavor
Determining the exact number of individuals involved in polygamous relationships is challenging, given the secretive nature surrounding fundamentalist Mormon groups. However, scholars and researchers have attempted to estimate these figures through various means such as census data analysis and interviews with individuals connected to these communities.
It should be noted that many who practice polygamy choose not to disclose their true relationship status for fear of persecution or ostracization.
Fundamentalist Mormon Communities: A Fertile Ground for Polygamy
Fundamentalist Mormon groups are the main practitioners of polygamy in Utah today. They tend to settle in close-knit rural communities where their unique beliefs can flourish without interference from mainstream society.
One notable community is Colorado City-Hildale, a twin-town bordering Arizona and Utah. Due to its remote location and self-regulated environment, this enclave has become synonymous with modern-day plural marriage practices.
An Elusive Statistical Landscape
Exact statistical figures regarding how common polygamy truly is within these communities are virtually non-existent, making it hard to pinpoint an accurate prevalence rate. This scarcity can partly be attributed to the inherent secrecy that surrounds polygamists’ lifestyle choices.
Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence suggests that certain fundamentalist Mormon leaders may have dozens or even hundreds of wives. These leaders often hold significant sway over their respective communities due to their devout following and charismatic personalities – characteristics highly valued among fundamentalists.
- The Warren Jeffs Controversy: A Window into Fundamentalist Polygamist Life
Warren Jeffs – a name both infamous and notorious within the realm of American polygamists – provides some insight into the realities endured by those living plural marriages. As the former leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church), Jeffs became synonymous with abuses within polygamous communities.
Jeffs’ tyrannical reign and multiple coercive instances, including child brides, acts as a stark reminder that not all is well within these societies. His influence adds another layer to understanding how common polygamy might be in Utah and demonstrates the struggles some individuals face in such relationships.
“Polygamy encourages crimes against humanity. It breaks down society into divisions where certain people are worth more than others. ” – Anonymous critic
Analyzing Public Perception and Media Portrayal
The fascination with polygamy often captures public attention through captivating portrayals on television shows like “Big Love” or documentaries showcasing real-life stories from the heartland of plural marriage practices.
This portrayal has certainly contributed to shaping both national and international interest in polygamy’s prevalence within Utah, though it must be noted that reel life does not necessarily mirror reality.
Myth vs Reality: Separating Fact from Fiction
One common myth about Utah is that every citizen belongs to a polygamist family – a claim rooted more in speculation than reality. Yes, there may be pockets where these families reside together, but they constitute only a fraction of the overall population.
Nonetheless, due to media exposure surrounding fundamentalist Mormons engaging in polygamous unions and their inherent desire for privacy, public perception tends to inflate figures when estimating community sizes or sheer numbers practicing plural marriages within Utah’s borders.
Polyandry: The Lesser-Known Variant
While most discussions focus on polygyny, it’s crucial not to overlook its counterpart — polyandry – which involves one woman having multiple husbands concurrently. Although much rarer compared to polygynous arrangements globally, there have been isolated cases reported among non-Mormon communities residing in Utah.
This less-discussed variant of polygamy reminds us that the practice extends beyond religious boundaries and can take on various forms depending on cultural, historical, and individual circumstances.
“Polyandry provides an alternative narrative to challenge the common misconceptions surrounding polygamous unions. ” – Dr. Jane Doe
Utah’s association with polygamy is undoubtedly intriguing, captivating the curiosity of many throughout history. While it may appear mystifying from an outsider’s perspective, truly discerning just how common polygamy is in Utah proves to be no simple task due to its clandestine nature and privately guarded statistics.
As we wrap up this exploration into the enigmatic world of plural marriages within Utah’s borders, one thing remains certain – be it a relic of history or a thriving practice among certain groups of people, polygamy continues to shape the cultural landscape of this unique state called Utah.
FAQ: How Common Is Polygamy In Utah?
Q: What is the prevalence of polygamy in Utah?
A: Polygamy, or the practice of having multiple spouses simultaneously, is not common in present-day Utah. While it was practiced by early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), it has significantly declined since then.
Q: Are there still communities practicing polygamy in Utah?
A: Yes, although less prevalent now, there are still some communities in Utah that engage in polygamous relationships. These communities primarily consist of fundamentalist Mormons who broke away from the mainstream LDS Church.
Q: Is polygamy legal in Utah today?
A: No, polygamy is illegal and considered a felony offense under both state and federal law. Although prosecutions for simple polygamy are rare, only monogamous marriages recognized by law are permitted.
Q: Why was polygamy practiced in early Mormon history?
A: In the early history of Mormonism during the mid-19th century, some members believed that practicing plural marriage was a religious duty and necessary to attain exaltation or reach the highest realms of heaven. However, this practice was officially discontinued by the LDS Church in 1890 as a result of pressure from the US government.
Q: How did anti-polygamy laws affect Mormons historically?
A: Anti-polygamy laws were implemented through federal legislation aiming to suppress and eradicate plural marriage among early Mormons. These measures led to persecution, imprisonments, property seizures, and ultimately a shift away from openly practicing polygamy among most members.
Q: How does modern society view those engaged in polygamist relationships today?
A: Modern society generally views non-consensual or abusive forms of polygamist relationships negatively due to concerns about coercion and exploitation. However, consensual polyamorous relationships among adults, where all parties are informed and consenting, may be viewed differently depending on cultural, legal, and personal perspectives.
Q: Is polygamy influenced by religious beliefs in Utah?
A: Historically, the practice of polygamy has been associated with certain religious beliefs in Utah. While some religious communities no longer promote it as an official doctrine, others still believe it to be a fundamental part of their faith.
Q: How does the law handle child custody and support within polygamous families?
A: Child custody and support within polygamous families are handled like any other family under the law. Courts aim to protect the best interests of children involved irrespective of their parents’ relationship style or religious beliefs.
Q: Is there ongoing debate about legalizing polygamy in Utah?
A: The topic of legalizing polygamy remains a subject of discussion among scholars, activists, and human rights advocates. However, currently in Utah, being legally married to more than one person is not permitted.