The map above shows the world’s marriage laws, taking into account both the legality of polygamy and the legality of same sex marriage as of 2024. Note that there are a few countries where polygamy is only allowed for Muslims. In these nations, we have counted them as allowed if the majority of the country is Muslim and not allowed if the majority of the country is not Muslim. This also pertains to what is actually practiced not just the rules that are on the books. Let’s review the different combinations of polygamy and same-sex marriage law around the world.
Polygamy: Criminalized
Same-Sex: Criminalized
Not many countries criminalize both polygamy and same sex intercourse, but many are among the few Muslim majority nations that do not allow polygamy.
Polygamy: Criminalized
Same-Sex: Not Allowed
Eastern European and East Asian countries tend to criminalize polygamy and allow same sex intercourse, but not same sex marriage.
Polygamy: Criminalized
Same-Sex: Allowed
Many countries in Western Europe, Latin America, and North America allow same sex marriage but do not allow polygamy. Except for Thailand, they are all mostly Christian.
Polygamy: Not Allowed
Same-Sex: Criminalized
There are a handful of countries in Africa where same sex intercourse is criminalized and polygamy is not allowed, but not criminalized as well.
Polygamy: Not Allowed
Same-Sex: Not Allowed
There are many countries around the world where polygamy and same-sex marriage is not allowed, but not criminalized either, but there is no consistent pattern between them.
Polygamy: Not Allowed
Same-Sex: Allowed
South Africa is the only country where same sex is allowed and polygamy is not allowed but not criminalized either. It is the only country is in Africa that allows same sex marriage.
Polygamy: Allowed
Same-Sex: Criminalized
The countries that allow polygamy but criminalize same sex intercourse are often in predominately Muslim nations. Most are in Africa or the Middle East.
Polygamy: Allowed
Same-Sex: Not Allowed
In addition, some countries allow polygamy but do not criminalize same sex intercourse either in practice or by law. Many of these nations are predominately Muslim.