The British Columbia Supreme Court ruled today that Canada’s 121-year-old law prohibiting polygamy is constitutional.
“I have concluded that this case is essentially about harm,” said B.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Bauman. “More specifically, Parliament’s reasoned apprehension of harm arising out of the practice of polygamy. This includes harm to women, to children, to society and to the institution of monogamous marriage.”
“Based on the most comprehensive judicial record on the subject ever produced, I have concluded that [there is] a reasoned apprehension of harm to many in our society inherent in the practice of polygamy,” said Justice Bauman.
“This includes harm to women, to children, to society and to the institution of monogamous marriage.”
A decision on whether the ruling will be appealed is expected to be made in December.
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