Davis v. Beason, 133 U.S. 333 (1890)
Banning polygamy, which is accepted in some religions, does not violate the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion.
U.S. Supreme Court
Davis v. Beason, 133 U.S. 333 (1890)
Davis v. Beason
No. 1261
Argued December 9-10, 1889
Decided February 3, 1890
133 U.S. 333
APPEAL FROM THE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COURT OF THE TERRITORY OF IDAHO
Syllabus
The provision in § 501, Rev.Stats.Idaho, that
"No person who is a bigamist or polygamist, or who teaches, advises, counsels or encourages any person or persona to become bigamists or polygamists or to commit any other crime defined by law, or to enter into what is known as plural or celestial marriage, or who is a member of any order, organization, or association which teaches, advises, counsels or encourages its members or devotees or any other persons to commit the crime of bigamy or polygamy, or any other crime defined by law, either as a rite or ceremony of such order, organization or association or otherwise, is permitted to vote at any election, or to hold any position or office of honor, trust or profit within this territory"