A more thorough explanation:

The Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Act of 1882, also known as the Edmunds Act, is a law passed by the United States government in 1882. The law made it illegal to practice polygamy, which is the act of having more than one spouse at the same time. The law was created because of issues that arose from the practice of polygamy by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church.

The Edmunds Act made it a felony, or a serious crime, to practice polygamy in federal territories. It also took away certain rights from people who practiced polygamy, such as the right to vote, hold public office, or serve on juries in federal territories. The law was enforced starting in July 1887.

For example, if a man had two wives at the same time, he would be breaking the law under the Edmunds Act. If he was caught, he could be arrested and charged with a felony. He would also lose his right to vote or hold public office.

The Edmunds Act was controversial because it raised questions about freedom of religion. Some people believed that the government should not interfere with the religious practices of the Mormon Church, even if those practices involved polygamy. However, the government believed that polygamy was harmful and needed to be stopped.

In 1890, the Mormon Church officially banned the practice of polygamy, and the Edmunds Act was no longer enforced. However, the law remained on the books until it was repealed in 1978.