Western Polygamy? Some Reflections on Witte's Conclusions

Abstract

Polygamy will come to dominate public deliberation and litigation in many Western countries in the near future. Some academic scholars defend its legalization as being the best constitutional, feminist, and sex-positive choice. Many modern Muslims and Fundamentalist Mormons argue in favor of polygamy based on religious freedom, religious equality, self-determination, and nondiscrimination. Witte’s conclusions are interesting, as they’re presented from the perspective of a legal historian.

Keywords: Polygamy, Marriage, Western Legal Tradition, Covenant