Australian law recognises only monogamous marriages, being marriages of two people, including same-sex marriages, and does not recognise any other forms of union, including traditional Aboriginal marriages, polygamous marriages or concubinage.

Are multiple wives legal in Australia?

In Australia, bigamy is illegal according to the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) which states that, “A person who is married shall not go through a form or ceremony of marriage with any person.” Bigamy carries a sentence of up to five years in prison. Thus, polygamy in Australia is not legal.

Can you legally marry multiple 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.

Can you go to jail for marrying more than one person?

United States. Polygamy is the act or condition of a person marrying another person while still being lawfully married to another spouse. It is illegal in the United States. The crime is punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both, according to the law of the individual state and the circumstances of the offense.