As far as the legality of it in the United States is concerned, it is only illegal to register more than one (simultaneous) marriage with the State marriage bureau/civil registrar. There are many many currently openly polygamous families in Utah, Texas, Connecticut, and various other States. They are careful to only have one civilally registered marriage (or none) on file. And that’s what they use for taxes. And they are not bothered or prosecuted by any gov’t agency, as it is fully legal to have whatever religious ceremonies they wish or whatever personal living arrangements they wish, with as many people living in their house as they wish, and there is no law against having multiple live-in girl friends. The last time the State even attempted a prosecution was in the 1940’s or ’50’s, and the State lost when it was thrown out of court, and they learnt their lesson. The ONLY time you will see a prosecution for polygamy now is when their is physical child abuse and underage marriage (i.e. A 13 year old girl – in NY State it is even legally possible to marry a 14 year old with judicial approval.)
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