Polygamy in Bhutan

Polygamy is legal in Bhutan regarding the consent of future wives. There is no legal recognition granted to polygamous spouses under civil law of Bhutan or customary law. Women in Bhutan may by custom be married to several husbands, however they are allowed only one legal husband. The legal status of married couples among polygamous and polyandrous households impacts the division of property upon divorce and survivorship, as well as general admissibility of the marital relationship in courts.[1]

Extent

Both polygamy and polyandry are dying out in Bhutan.[2] Polyandry is only present in certain areas, like Laya, but even there it is reportedly becoming an exception. In general the husbands of one wife are brothers.[3] Polyandry is also known among the Brokpa people of Merak and Sakten in eastern Trashigang.[4] A well-known example of a person in a polygamous marriage in Bhutan is the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who is married to four sisters.

References
  1. "Marriage Act of Bhutan 1980" (PDF). Government of Bhutan. 1980. Retrieved 2011-03-29.
  2. "Bhutan's royal wedding points to end of polygamy". 16 October 2011.
  3. "The Disappearing Practice of Polyandry". New Bhutan Times. Archived from the original on 2 January 2018.
  4. "The custom of more than one spouse with Brokpas (The people of Merak)". www.windhorsetours.com. October 10, 2007.


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