Recently, such a topic as polygamy in Russia has been actively discussed. This type of family relationship is not characteristic of the culture and traditions of the state. But at the same time, today this issue is quite relevant for various segments of the population. We will try to understand what polygamy is and how many wives a family code of the Russian Federation allows one man to have.
Polygamy and polygamy are unusual types of families for Russians
In most modern countries of the world, only monogamous marriages are officially recognized at the state level. We are talking about family marriage unions, created at their own request in pairs: “man + woman”. Upon entering into marriage, each of the spouses vows all his life to love and respect his chosen one, as well as to be faithful to him.
Despite the prevalence of monogamous marriage unions, in some states polygamous family relations are considered traditional or at least acceptable. Such marriages are called polygynous (polygamy) and polyandric (polygamy). Experts believe that such a family option could arise in some emergency situations. For example, after large-scale disasters, wars, or in regions where, for some other reason, few men of reproductive age remained.
It is worth noting that polygamy in Russia is not common and has never been considered the norm, despite the country's rich history with a variety of sad pages.
Legislation of the Russian Federation on the conclusion of marriage unions
Article 14 of the current Family Code of Russia clearly states that only persons who are not married at the time of filing an application with the registry office can enter into marriage. It turns out that the question: "Is polygamy allowed in Russia today?" - the answer is negative. Moreover, from the point of view of morality and traditions, adultery or the "loose lifestyle" of a free man are reprehensible and unacceptable phenomena.
In the legislation of the USSR there once existed an article providing for criminal punishment for persons entering into polygamous marriage. Today, polygamy in Russia is perceived with greater tolerance, but at the same time remains legally not allowed.
Is it a shame to have several wives in modern Russia in fact?
Interesting results are shown by social studies and the census. In 2002, it was found that in Russia the number of married women exceeds the number of married men by almost 70,000. Where are the husbands of ladies who consider themselves married? Does polygamy really exist in Russia? Many modern people believe that the main thing is "personal relationships, not the press from the registry office." For this reason, it is difficult to establish how many real couples exist in the state.
As for polygamy - opponents of this type of marriage say that the problem of their popularization lies in immigrants coming from Muslim countries (where polygamous marriages are approved).
However, not all so simple. Many Russian men live for years with several families. We are talking about a long personal relationship with lovers without a formal divorce from a wife. What is noteworthy, in the Russian mentality such cases are not perceived as "polygamy." Even if the unofficial “wife” has children from a married man, and he recognizes them, society is more often negative and frivolous about this woman. Due to the fact that "she is just a lover." But doesn’t having a love relationship with someone other than an official spouse should not amount to a polygamous marriage?
Should we expect the adoption of the law on polygamy?
In 1999, the President of Ingushetia R. Aushev issued a decree allowing polygamy in the republic. Due to the fact that the law on polygamy in Russia at that time was not even considered, Russian President B. Yeltsin quickly canceled this permission. Since then, this issue has not been considered at the legal and legislative level.
It is noteworthy that many Muslims living in the territory of states where polygamous marriages are prohibited, still manage to enter into them. The problem is not legislation at all. Legally, a male polygamist has only one wife in accordance with the current Family Code. He concludes a family union with the second and subsequent spouses in the church.
A similar thing happens in our country. An article for polygamy in Russia could hardly have substantially corrected the situation because of the complex provability of violations. Perhaps the most effective will be the promotion of family values and traditional Russian traditions?