(CNN) A law effectively decriminalizing bigamy, when two people marry while at least one of them is already legally married, is now in effect in Utah. For decades, bigamy was a third-degree felony, legally punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. The new law makes it an infraction, putting the offense on par with getting a traffic ticket. Polygamy has been practiced in Utah by certain religious groups since before it became a state and continues to persist to this day. Though the practice has long been illegal under state and federal law, the Utah attorney general's office has declined to prosecute the offense, except when it's committed along with other crimes.

Source: CNN May 12, 2020 21:00 UTC