Polyamory is the practice of having multiple romantic partners simultaneously. It is also known as non-monogamy or ethical non-monogamy. Polyamorous people believe that love can be shared among more than two individuals at a time. While some countries have laws that support this type of relationship, others don't. Let's take a look at how societal attitudes toward polyamory differ between countries with and without legal recognition.
The United States has no federal law that explicitly recognizes polyamorous relationships.
There are some states where it is recognized.
Colorado recognizes polyamory in its anti-discrimination legislation. This means that businesses cannot discriminate against employees based on their marital status, which includes polyamorous relationships. Some states recognize polyamory under common law marriage, but there is little clarity about what constitutes a common law marriage. In most cases, polyamory is not legally recognized in the US.
In Canada, polyamory is not recognized by the government, but it is accepted in some provinces. Alberta and British Columbia recognize polyamory under the law. They treat these relationships like any other family arrangement. Quebec does not officially recognize polyamorous relationships, but it does recognize civil unions for three or more partners. The rest of Canada treats polyamory the same way it treats polygamy, which is illegal.
European countries such as France and Sweden do not recognize polyamory. Both countries consider monogamy to be the norm and discourage multiple partner relationships.
They recognize polyamory as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Denmark recognizes polyamory through cohabitation agreements. These agreements allow couples who live together to share finances and property rights.
Australia doesn't recognize polyamory either. It views polyamory as a sexual practice rather than a relationship type. As such, it falls under the umbrella of infidelity. Polyamorous people can face legal issues related to taxes and inheritance.
Australia has recently moved toward recognizing polyamory with the recognition of de facto relationships.
In Japan, polyamory is illegal because it goes against traditional values. It is viewed as immoral and disrespectful to the family unit. Those engaging in this lifestyle can face legal consequences.
Polyamory is also not recognized in China. This may be due to cultural beliefs that emphasize marriage and monogamy.
There are no laws against polyamory in China.
Israel recognizes polyamory through civil unions, although these unions must be between two adults. There are some benefits for polyamorous relationships in Israel, such as health insurance coverage.
India does not have any explicit laws regarding polyamory. In general, Hinduism accepts polyamory but considers it taboo. Muslims view polyamory as adultery and against Islamic teachings. Judaism also does not support polyamory.
Some polyamorous groups exist within India.
Societal attitudes toward polyamory vary widely across different countries and cultures. Some countries accept polyamory while others do not. Laws and policies surrounding polyamory are also inconsistent, making it difficult for polyamorous individuals to navigate the legal system.
How do societal attitudes toward polyamory vary across legal systems?
The attitude towards polyamory varies greatly between countries and is influenced by cultural norms, beliefs, religious views, and legal systems. While some cultures may accept polyamorous relationships as an alternative lifestyle choice, others view it with disdain or disgreeability.