Polyamorous Relationships

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if you are in a Polyamorous relationship that includes co-habitation, the outcome of the recent Blackmore case could affect you. Know the law and understand your rights.

Blackmore was found GUILTY of Polygamy on the grounds that he was found to be in a celestial marriage - a secretive, plural marriage not registered with any higher government.

His common-law/cohabitation status was the critical point that resulted in him being found guilty of polygamy - NOT social and cultural ills commonly associated.

This is a Canadian case and if registered, sets a precedent.

Vancouver Sun Article - "Blackmore welcomes being found guilty..."

Here’s the full text of Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), Section 293:

(1) Every one who (a) practises or enters into or in any manner agrees or consents to practise or enter into (i) any form of polygamy, or (ii) any kind of conjugal union with more than one person at the same time, whether or not it is by law recognized as a binding form of marriage, or (b) celebrates, assists or is a party to a rite, ceremony, contract or consent that purports to sanction a relationship mentioned in subparagraph (a)(i) or (ii), is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.

(2) Where an accused is charged with an offence under this section, no averment or proof of the method by which the alleged relationship was entered into, agreed to or consented to is necessary in the indictment or on the trial of the accused, nor is it necessary on the trial to prove that the persons who are alleged to have entered into the relationship had or intended to have sexual intercourse..