Question

In 1878, the Supreme Court denied George Reynolds right to practice bigamy which is a part of his Mormon religion. Why was Mr. Reynolds’ denied the right to practice his religion in this way?
The Supreme Court did not recognize the Mormon Church.

The Supreme Court said Mr. Reynolds could not break the law while practicing his religion.

The Supreme Court did not recognize Mr. Reynolds’ marriage licenses.

The Supreme Court said that all Mormon rites and practices were against the law.

Answer 1

The Supreme Court said Mr. Reynolds could not break the law while practicing his religion.

Reynolds v. the United States was heard by the Supreme Court in 1878 in regard the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act placed on the Utah Territory.

Reynolds argued that preventing him to marry more than one woman was a violation of his First Amendment rights to protection of religion. The Supreme Court concluded that he had the right to his belief but he could not go around the law to practice his faith. The law stated marriage was to be between two people only and therefore he could not be married to more than one woman.