Hundreds of GTA Muslim men in polygamous marriages -- some with a harem of wives -- are receiving welfare and social benefits for each of their spouses, thanks to the city and province, Muslim leaders say.
Mumtaz Ali, president of the Canadian Society of Muslims, said wives in polygamous marriages are recognized as spouses under the Ontario Family Law Act, providing they were legally married under Muslim laws abroad.
"Polygamy is a regular part of life for many Muslims," Ali said yesterday. "Ontario recognizes religious marriages for Muslims and others."
He estimates "several hundred" GTA husbands in polygamous marriages are receiving benefits. Under Islamic law, a Muslim man is permitted to have up to four spouses.
However, city and provincial officials said legally a welfare applicant can claim only one spouse. Other adults living in the same household can apply for welfare independently.
The average recipient with a child can receive about $1,500 monthly, city officials said.
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Read all of Tom Godfrey's article. For a detailed analysis about immigration and the welfare state, download for free Herbert Grubel's Fraser Institute study.
See also:
Diversity Is Strength! It’s Also…Polygamy?
Thou shalt not criticize Islam! Canadian Islamic Congress wants to censor Mark Steyn
Is it legal to say Muslim immigration is bad for Canada? For that matter, is it even legal to ask the question?
The Problem with Polygamy
