A judge in Utah struck down part of the state 's anti-polygamy law as unconstitutional . Mark Goldfeder : In practice , polygamy exists even if legally it is not recognized . The Supreme Court has ruled that polygamous marriages are valid under federal laws and can be performed by other people who don't have to get a license from the government. Goldfeder : But following Windsor 's lead and allowing these relationships to be recognized could instead bring them into the light . Recognition would enable law enforcement to crack down on abuse .
A judge in Utah struck down part of the state 's anti-polygamy law as unconstitutional . Mark Goldfeder : In practice , polygamy exists even if legally it is not recognized . The Supreme Court has ruled that polygamous marriages are valid under federal laws and can be performed by other people who don't have to get a license from the government. Goldfeder : Recognition would enable law enforcement to crack down on abuse .