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The reason polygamy is illegal in some countries because it is seen as immoral and unfair against women, the laws regarding polygamy tend to relate to the historical traditions of the area or country. Most Christian religions forbid bigamy and polygamy, others have seen to harm in it for hundreds of years. The role of religion in opposing polygamy is important but should not be overstated. The ancient Greeks outlawed polygamy long before the spread of Christianity. While not actually illegal in the early Roman Empire, it was strongly discouraged. Modern secular societies with no heritage of Christianity, such as China, also outlaw polygamy. Even some Islamic countries have moved to limit the rights of Muslim men to practise polygamy. So, while religion plays a part, the prohibition of polygamy is clearly more broadly based than religious beliefs. A further, credible reason for the widespread prohibition is the public good. Polygamy inevitably results in lowering the status of women, since women in plural marriages have a lower status than their shared husband, while female polygamy (polyandry) is seldom permitted and even more seldom practised. Also, the rich and powerful can corner the supply of eligible young women, leaving a proportion of other men unable to legally have intimate relations with a woman. This creates the circumstances for infidelity, rape and general crime born out of frustration and resentment.

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