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[TWR]

Did you see this program about Polygamy on C4 last night? I thought we had a law here saying "You can not have two wife's at one time" how the hell do they get away with this? is it a case of "Do Not Upset Them? another example of this weak and previous Governments.

[boxtops]

My Muslim friends were married in a religious ceremony, but still then had to do it again in the register office for it to be recognised as a legal partnership. If he wanted (and he doesn't) he could have religious weddings with other women, but the second/third wives don't have legal standing as his wives.

Think about it, from time to time in the press we hear of British men (not Muslims, not religious) who live with a wife (or not a wife) and have children with several other women, some of whom live with him or some note. There really isn't any difference in terms of legal standing - is there?

[boxtops]

^ just seen hc's post saying much the same as mine.... where's the difference?

[naomi24]

There's no difference. These people aren't married.

[jourdain2]

As long as they don't claim (and are not given) benefits for so-called wives and children it it up to them. BUT I remember explaining to classes that 'Mosque marriages were not legal without a registrar present' and seeing looks of wonder and horror flitting around the faces before me, so I suspect many of these 'wives' do not realise that they are not legally married.

[jourdain2]

Sorry, typo, 'it is up to them'.

[Peter Pedant]

I am sure there has been another thread about this

//"You can not have two wife's at one time" //
came up around 1965-1970 in the High Court where their Lordships decided it was sensible to recognise multiple marriages contracted out side the country.

decent article - concerning the woman's rights or lack of them here
http://muslimmarriagecontract.org/registration.html

[Peter Pedant]

this one isnt bad either

http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed95364

[sandyRoe]

Is it the Mormons who feel they need more than one wife? Can their women have more than one husband?

[Mamyalynne]

I watched the programme and found it interesting and quite open - not sure if it shaped my opinions on the subject.

I just know it wouldn't do for me.

[naomi24]

//Is it the Mormons who feel they need more than one wife?//

No, but they used to. These days the church excommunicates anyone who lives this lifestyle.