Edmunds Act
Background and Context
The Edmunds Act, officially known as the "Act to Amend Section 5352 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, in Reference to Bigamy, and for Other Purposes," was a significant piece of legislation enacted by the United States Congress on March 22, 1882. This act was primarily aimed at curbing the practice of polygamy in the territories of the United States, particularly targeting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, which was known for practicing plural marriage.
The act was named after its sponsor, Senator George F. Edmunds of Vermont, a prominent figure in the Republican Party and a staunch opponent of polygamy. The legislation was part of a broader movement during the late 19th century to enforce monogamous marriage as the standard in the United States, reflecting the prevailing social and moral norms of the time.
Provisions of the Edmunds Act
The Edmunds Act introduced several key provisions aimed at suppressing polygamy:
1. **Criminalization of Polygamy**: The act made polygamy a felony, punishable by a fine and imprisonment. It specifically targeted those who practiced or engaged in plural marriages, imposing penalties of up to five years in prison and a $500 fine.
2. **Disenfranchisement**: One of the most significant aspects of the Edmunds Act was the disenfranchisement of polygamists. Individuals who practiced or advocated for polygamy were barred from voting, holding public office, or serving on juries. This effectively stripped many members of the LDS Church of their civil rights.
3. **Establishment of the Utah Commission**: The act established the Utah Commission, a five-member body appointed by the President of the United States, to oversee elections in the Utah Territory and ensure compliance with the law. The commission had the authority to certify election results and disqualify candidates who were polygamists.
4. **Test Oaths**: The act required individuals to take an oath affirming that they were not practicing polygamy in order to vote or hold public office. This provision was intended to root out polygamists from political and civic life.
Impact and Enforcement
The enforcement of the Edmunds Act had a profound impact on the LDS Church and its members. The act led to the arrest and imprisonment of many prominent church leaders and members who were practicing polygamy. The disenfranchisement provisions effectively excluded a significant portion of the Mormon population from participating in the political process.
The establishment of the Utah Commission and the requirement of test oaths further marginalized the LDS community, as many members were unwilling or unable to comply with the new legal requirements. This created a climate of tension and conflict between the federal government and the Mormon community in the Utah Territory.
Legal and Social Repercussions
The Edmunds Act was part of a broader legal and social campaign against polygamy in the United States. It was followed by the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887, which further intensified the federal government's efforts to eradicate polygamy. The Edmunds-Tucker Act disincorporated the LDS Church and confiscated its assets, further weakening its influence.
The legal battles surrounding the Edmunds Act and its successors culminated in several landmark Supreme Court cases, including Reynolds v. United States, which upheld the constitutionality of anti-polygamy laws. These cases established important precedents regarding the limits of religious freedom and the government's authority to regulate marriage.
Long-term Effects and Legacy
The Edmunds Act and subsequent legislation had a lasting impact on the LDS Church and its practices. Faced with mounting legal and social pressure, the church officially renounced polygamy in 1890 through the issuance of the Manifesto, a declaration by church president Wilford Woodruff that ended the practice of plural marriage.
The renunciation of polygamy paved the way for Utah's admission to the Union as a state in 1896, as it demonstrated the territory's compliance with federal laws and alignment with national norms. The legacy of the Edmunds Act is evident in the ongoing discussions about religious freedom, marriage laws, and the relationship between church and state.