There are many cultures throughout the world where a man can have more than one wife and it is perfectly acceptable part of their culture.
For other areas of the world that outlaw and shun polygamy, I think it all boils down to the religious belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, period. Some people believe that adultery and divorce are an automatic admission into hell. If enough people believe this way, organize themselves and in turn, become a powerful force to influence the Gov't into passing such laws.
I think it is just intolerance of anything different from those views of people who have the power to influence and those making the laws.
For example, the Pope. This man has some serious influence throughout the world. Now, what if the Pope approved of a man being able to be married to more than one woman? Imagine how many polygamist communes would be popping up founded on the Catholic religion. How many laws would suddenly change to allow polygamy?
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