Polygamy is not legally recognised in Australia. However, a foreign marriage that is not polygamous but could potentially become polygamous at a later date under the law of the country where the marriage took place is recognized in Australia while any subsequent polygamous marriage is not.

Does Australia allow polygamy?

Polygamy in Australia is illegal. Polygamy is legal in many African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and usually involves more than one wife. Polygamy is also common in certain religious groups in other countries, such as Mormons in the United States.

Are you legally allowed to have 2 wives?

In New South Wales, section 92 of the Crimes Act 1900 makes it an offence punishable by a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment to marry a person whilst already married to another. This is known as bigamy.

Where is polygamy still legal?

Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. Polygyny is when a man is married to multiple wives at a time, and polyandry refers to when a woman is married to multiple husbands .Countries Where Polygamy Is Legal 2021.Country2021 PopulationBhutan779,898Solomon Islands703,996Maldives543,617Brunei441,53243 more rows

What is the penalty for bigamy in Australia?

five years imprisonment It is a criminal offence to marry a person whilst already married. The maximum penalty for bigamy is five years imprisonment.

What countries allow multiple wives?

Countries that recognize polygamous marriagesAlgeria.Cameroon.Chad.Central African Republic.Republic of the Congo.Djibouti.Egypt.Gabon: Both men and women can join in polygamous marriage with the other gender under Gabonese law. In practice, the right to multiple spouses is reserved for men only.More items

Can I marry without divorce?

No, it is illegal. Under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code, if a person marries a second time, without a divorce, while their spouse is alive, the marriage is considered bigamy, which is a punishable offense.