Saudi Arabian Polygamists: A Canadian Social Issue

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A social issue came to the attention of the Canadian government in October of 2012; some Saudi Arabians, who are practising polygamists, are withholding this crucial personal information from the Canadian government when seeking citizenship. The article “Canadian diplomats in Saudi Arabia worry about polygamist immigration applicants” (2012) focuses on the concern that Saudi Arabian polygamist are seeking Canadian citizenship. Saudi Arabian polygamists interpret their holy text, the Qur’an, as encouraging multiple marriages. Polygamy is illegal in Canada under “Offences Against Conjugal Rights” under section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Canada being an immigration destination is faced with the situation of immigrants in valid polygamous marriages who wish to be, or are already residents of Canada. When members of polygamous unions try to immigrate to Canada, only the first spouse is eligible because the parties must pretend they are in a monogamous relationship. Even if the children of other spouses are accepted as part of their family unit, the other spouses cannot later be sponsored to come to Canada. Furthermore, if an immigration officer suspects an applicant will practise polygamy in Canada, the officer must refuse the application because of the criminal prohibition against polygamy (Kaufman, 2005). This issue can affect both the polygamists that are moving to Canada, and Canadian citizens. Many cultures around the world find multiple marriages disrespectful to the institution of marriage and religion. Canadians and non-Canadian citizens would be impacted by polygamy becoming legal in Canada.

Most polygamists practise polygamy because of their religious faith. Religion is a system of beliefs and practices about tran...

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