BACKGROUNDER: Web resources for a story in the news
Date: Jan. 21, 2005
By: Heather Ogilvie
Story: The Globe and Mail
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper warned Thursday that if same-sex legislation becomes law, the Liberals will not be able to prevent requests of other types of marriages such as polygamy. But Justice Minister Irwin Cotler says there is no link between the two. Harper says if the traditional definition of marriage in law is not maintained, "radical" groups may argue the legality of a man marrying more than one woman, as occurs in a polygamous marriage. Harper made the comments a day after the Liberals decided to launch a study into the social and legal impacts of polygamy. He fears the Liberals may end up being open to eventually legalizing polygamy. Parliament is expected to introduce same-sex marriage legislations beginning Jan. 31.
Site: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This site is extremely useful in understanding the difference between polygamy and other kinds of relationships. This interactive site also offers descriptions of polygamy among the different religions of Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. For example, Islamic religion allows a man to have up to four wives at any one time, while in Christianity condemns polygamy. The site also describes in depth the practice of Mormon polygamy. The site also presents a variety of external websites for additional information on this topic.
Site: The Institute of Islamic Information and Education
The Institute of Islamic Information and Education's website is dedicated to the cause of Islam in North America through striving to elevate the image of Islam and Muslims by providing the correct information about Islamic beliefs, history and civilization. This site offers one specific article about polygamy by Mary Ali that provides historical insight into the different kinds of polygamy practised and how polygamy and monogamy evolved. Ali suggests monogamy was created artificially and that it has become a factor in ruining the family structure, and the social, economic and political systems of the country. The article discusses the different religions which participate in polygamy. For example, the article states that King Solomon is said to have had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines in early times of polygamy.
Site: The Center for Public Education and Information on Polygamy
While this may not be the easiest site to navigate, it does have a variety of information on polygamy, such as personal and historical articles, such as “How to Assist a Refugee of Polygamy” and “The Story of Polygamy” told my victims. The site states it is for education purposes. But, it is against polygamy. The site is concerned with the secretive, abusive and hidden practice of polygamy in the United States and worldwide. The center, located in Utah, states purpose is to educate and advocate for the needs of the women and children exiting polygamy, while maintaining the dignity and protecting the anonymity and safety of the victims. There is information here about their ribbon campaign to stop polygamy.
Site: Canada Family Action Coalition
Canada Family Action Coalition (CFAC) focuses on having Judeo-Christian moral principles restored in Canada. CFAC is a citizen's action organization that provides strategies, networking, training and tools to enable ordinary Canadians to influence their government. The article on this site may give insight as to whether polygamy could be legalized in Canada. The Canada Family Action Coalition says courts and government should legislate in favor of polygamy just like homosexual "marriages". The article on this site says polygamists deserve equality and that it is a right that everyone who is a consenting adult must be granted under Canada's Charter.
Site: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
This website is the official site for the Church. The Church of Latter-Day Saints has a specific view on polygamy. It says the Church has nothing to do with those practising polygamy and that it is in direct violation of the civil law and the law of this Church. At one time they believed the Lord commanded some of the early Saints to practice plural marriage. But, in 1890, President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation that the leaders of the Church should cease teaching the practice of plural marriage.