If polygamists are illegal, then why are they still around?

Question

If polygamists are illegal, then why are they still around?

Answer 1

They use the term spiritual marriage to get around the law instead of a legal marriage where they have to go to the state to get a license.

Answer 2

It's not illegal as long as you don't get caught!

Seriously.

That is the whole psychology behind it.  I kid you not.

Not that I agree with the philosophy...but you asked.

Answer 3

Because Justice hasn't yet drawn a line between freedom of religion and abuse of the same freedom, in this specific case. I guess somebody has to take the case till the Supreme Court in order for the society to have a final say on the matter. The polygamists won't do that. They will stay quiet, living their way of life, outside of the law. It has to be somebody else to do that.

What I think speaks volume is that I've never heard about a case of a polygamist family in which is the female who have several husbands.  

Answer 4

It's a law that is largely ignored and usually not enforced. As long as you don't advertise your polygamist family too much, probably nothing will happen.

Answer 5

Polygamists believe polygamy is ordained by God and God's law trumps civil law.  Besides, drug abuse is illegal, but when did it stop a junkie?  Murder is illegal, but when did that stop a murderer.  While I readily concede polygamy and murder don't compare in any way in their harm to society (at least not adult polygamy; involving teenagers is another thing altogether), my point is that if people think they are justified in doing something, the illegality of it is usually moot, and religious faith if one of the greatest reasons for justifying behavior that is illegal.

Answer 6

Murder, rape, theft, and speeding are all illegal, too. But we still have murderers, rapists, theives, and speeders around. Criminals do whatever they can to skirt around the law. Why would this be any different?  

Answer 7

because people continue to do illegal things until they get caught.  it's no different than drugs, prostitution, etc.  frankly, i think that polygamy is disgusting and depraved.

Answer 8

The same reason pot and prostitution are still around. People will get away with it as long as they can, until they are caught.  

Answer 9

Read "Under the Banner of Heaven" by John Krakauer.  It's a great book that deals with that subject.

Answer 10

Drugs are illegal but we still have drug dealers. Murder is illegal but we still have murders. Tell me you are not seriously asking this question people do illegal stuff they always think no one will find out about that's why we have laws.

Answer 11

Since when has passing a law against something made people stop doing it?

Answer 12

Because there are just not enough great guys like me to go around, so you all have to share.. I'm seeing number 1356 right now, wait in line please i think you may be next.

Answer 13

Same reason all illegal things are still around, people continue to do them.

Answer 14

because until the earth explodes and all humans diminish, there is always going to be a man that doesn't like to bone just one woman for the rest of his life....and like previously mentioned drugs are illegal but still around just like with every/anything else.