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Practicing Polygamy : The Harsh Outcomes

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Dilwith 1
Shaunia Dilwith
Ms. Antonio
Sophomore English
March 2017 Practicing Polygamy: The Harsh Outcomes
“I now pronounce you husband and wives.” Polygamy is a religion that has been practiced for centuries by Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). Polygamous marriages consists of more than one spouse, and usually includes 3-7 adults. Polygamists spread their beliefs all around the world, however, the practice of polygamy is illegal in all 50 states. The crime is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Although some people believe polygamy should be legalized due to religious beliefs, it is more important to know that polygamy should remain illegal because it includes arranged marriages, rape or…show more content…
To clarify, polygamists believe that their practices are a commitment to God. Undeniably, others may believe that polygamous practices are not considered crimes. However, polygamy should not be a legal act because the results lead to various crimes.
Indeed, polygamy is a crucial part of Mormon practice. At the same time, when one acknowledges the risks of polygamy, it is unreasonable to even consider supporting the legalization of polygamy. To enumerate, arranged marriages are practiced often in polygamous cults. If your family believes you are ready to be married, then they will arrange a marriage that they feel will be a best fit for the cult. Much like Lu Ann Kingston, who has went through the process of an arranged marriage at the age of 15 years old, stated in an interview that much of the young girls are told that “This is what the heavenly father wants, and they 're at an age they can 't run away because there is nowhere to go. There 's no way out. ' ' (Janofsky 3). According to former member Lu Ann Dilwith 3
Kingston, many girls are forced into marriages by being told it is the right thing to do. In summary, underage arranged marriages are very dangerous and unfair to the children who are placed under those circumstances while they haven’t even reached the capacity to comprehend what they want.
Furthermore, there are many cases of rape or incest happening as a product of plural marriages. To demonstrate, in the
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