Why Some Groups Continued Polygamy Illegally After 1896

Explore the reasons certain Latter-day Saint-derived groups maintained plural marriage despite its official renunciation and legal prohibition in the United States.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 3, 2026

Branched from Later Federal-State Clashes Over Polygamy

Quick take

The mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounced new plural marriages in 1890 and 1904 under federal pressure.
Fundamentalist groups viewed this as a political compromise, not a divine end to the practice, believing it was an essential eternal covenant.
These groups formed independent communities, continuing plural marriage based on their interpretation of early Church doctrine.
Their continued practice led to ongoing legal conflicts and social isolation.

Fundamentalist polygamy refers to the practice of plural marriage by certain religious groups who broke away from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) after its official renunciation of the practice. These groups continued to solemnize and live plural marriages based on deep theological convictions, even after the practice became illegal in the United States and was explicitly forbidden by the mainstream church.

The Shift and The Schism

For much of the 19th century, plural marriage was a central, though controversial, doctrine and practice within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, intense federal pressure, including anti-polygamy laws like the Edmunds-Tucker Act, led to severe legal and financial consequences for the Church. In 1890, then-LDS Church President Wilford Woodruff issued a statement known as the Manifesto, which officially advised Latter-day Saints to refrain from entering into new plural marriages. This paved the way for Utah's statehood in 1896.

While the 1890 Manifesto stopped new plural marriages, some members interpreted it as a temporary suspension due to government pressure, rather than a permanent theological change. The definitive break came in 1904 when LDS Church President Joseph F. Smith issued the 'Second Manifesto,' clarifying that any member entering or solemnizing plural marriages anywhere in the world would be excommunicated. This solidified the mainstream church's position against polygamy and effectively ended the practice within its ranks.

Why They Continued

The groups who continued plural marriage did so primarily out of a profound theological conviction that it was a divine, eternal covenant essential for exaltation in the afterlife. They believed that the original revelations on plural marriage given to Joseph Smith were unchangeable and that the Church's manifestos were a capitulation to worldly pressure, not a true revelation from God ending the practice. For them, abandoning plural marriage meant abandoning a core principle of their faith. Leaders within these dissenting groups claimed to receive their own divine instructions to uphold the 'principle' of plural marriage, often believing they were preserving the original, uncompromised form of the faith.

These fundamentalist groups, such as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) or the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB), began to form independent communities, often in remote or isolated areas. This allowed them to practice plural marriage away from the scrutiny of both the federal government and the mainstream LDS Church, which actively excommunicated those who continued the practice. Their continued adherence was a direct act of religious devotion and, often, defiance against what they saw as external interference in sacred matters.

Ongoing Impact and Relevance

The existence of fundamentalist polygamous groups after 1896 highlights the complex interplay between religious freedom, state law, and internal theological disputes. These groups have faced persistent legal challenges, including raids, arrests, and the removal of children, particularly in cases involving underage marriages or allegations of abuse. Their communities often operate with a high degree of insularity, leading to unique social and economic structures. The legacy of their continued practice raises ongoing questions about religious autonomy, the rights of individuals within closed communities, and the interpretation of foundational religious texts, creating a distinct and often controversial subculture within American society.

Are these groups part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

No, they are entirely separate. The LDS Church officially excommunicates any members who practice or advocate for plural marriage today. Fundamentalist groups broke away from the mainstream church over this issue.

Why is it called 'fundamentalist' polygamy?

The term 'fundamentalist' refers to their belief in adhering to what they consider the original, fundamental doctrines and practices of early Latter-day Saint faith, specifically including plural marriage, which they believe was never truly rescinded by divine revelation.

Is practicing polygamy illegal in the United States today?

Yes, polygamy is illegal in all U.S. states. While some states prosecute bigamy (having multiple legal marriages), others also prohibit cohabitation with multiple partners as a form of polygamy. Enforcement varies but the practice remains against the law.

How many people are involved in these groups?

Estimates vary, but the total number of individuals in fundamentalist polygamous communities is relatively small, likely in the tens of thousands across various groups, primarily in the Western United States and parts of Canada.