The Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act of 1862

Name: The Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act of 1862
Start: 1862-07-08
Location: Unspecified

The Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act: A Milestone in U.S. Law

The Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act, signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on July 8, 1862, marked a significant step in U.S. legislation aimed at addressing the practice of bigamy, particularly in the territories of the West. As polygamy was rampant among followers of the Latter-day Saint movement, mainly in Utah, the law sought to enforce legal definitions of marriage and restrict the practice of bigamy.

The Context of Bigamy in America

During the mid-19th century, the United States was grappling with rapid expansion westward, which included various territories where different cultural practices were adopted. In Utah, polygamous relationships were a defining characteristic of community life among Mormons, which clashed with broader American values that upheld monogamous marriage as the cornerstone of society.

Abraham Lincoln's Role

President Abraham Lincoln played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act, reflecting his commitment to preserving the Union and standardizing practices across newly acquired territories. His administration recognized that polygamy posed social challenges and moral dilemmas that needed addressing through legal frameworks.

Challenges of Enforcement

Although the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act was an essential legislative measure, its effectiveness was severely undermined as it was largely unenforced. The lack of resources and political will to implement such laws in the sprawling and remote territories rendered them more symbolic than practical.

Societal Reactions to the Act

The passage of the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act elicited mixed reactions from the public. Many supported it as a necessary measure to promote traditional familial structures, while others viewed it as governmental overreach into personal freedoms and religious practices, particularly among Mormons who viewed polygamy as a divine commandment.

Impact on Later Legislation

The groundwork laid by the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act eventually led to more stringent laws against polygamy, notably the Edmunds Act of 1882 and the subsequent Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887, which imposed harsher penalties and sought to eliminate the practice altogether.

Fun Fact

A Surprising Outcome of the Act

Despite its intentions, the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act indirectly highlighted the complexities of marriage in America and the persistent tensions between federal authority and local customs. The act’s failure to achieve its immediate goals demonstrated the limitations of legislative power in matters intertwined with personal and religious beliefs.