Is Polygamy Legal in Canada?
Polygamy is illegal in Canada under Section 293 of the Criminal Code. Any form of marriage or cohabitation involving more than two spouses can lead to criminal charges, including up to five years in prison.
Recent Canadian Polygamist Cases
Canadian authorities have prosecuted individuals and groups linked to polygamous communities. In 2017, a B.C. Supreme Court reference confirmed that the anti-polygamy law applies to religious practices, while noting some aspects of the law may need modernization.
How the Law Affects Polygamist Communities
Canadian law treats polygamous unions as void and does not recognize additional spouses for immigration, tax, or inheritance purposes. Authorities focus on cases involving minors, abuse, or fraud, while some community leaders argue the law targets religious freedom.
