Could Polygamy Be Legalized in Wyoming?

Hot on the heels of the Supreme Court's decision on gay marriage last week, a polygamist man in Billings, Montana, has applied for a license to marry his second wife. Although bigamy is illegal in Montana and his application is likely to be denied, it sets the stage for an interesting legal battle in the months and years to come.

Whether or not this man's case will ever make it to the Supreme Court remains to be seen. However, it is likely that similar legal challenges could come from here in Wyoming.

Kody Brown, the polygamist star of the popular cable series Sister Wives was raised in Lovell, Wyoming. Lovell isn't the only Wyoming town with longstanding sects of polygamists. Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming, was founded by a polygamist sect in the late 1800's. The nearby town of Afton, Wyoming, has a similar history. It is unknown how many residents in the area still practice polygamy.

With staunch opposition to plural marriage from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it is unlikely local law makers will make any changes to the current polygamy laws. But don't be surprised if the issue is decided sometime soon in Federal Court.