Extra benefits: Muslim men with multiple wives can claim more for income support

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So a DWP spokesman says 'There are fewer than 1,000 polygamous marriages in the UK and only a small percentage of these are claiming social security benefit'. And in which direction does he think that number will go now, as a result of this outrageous ruling?

- Jon Houlton, Solihull, England

If it is illegal we shouldn't encourage it by offering money! As for this statement

"but whilst polygamy is allowed in islam (there are far too many women in the world than men and if every man married just one woman what would happen to the rights of the other women?), however the husband has to support his OWN wives and children"

1: Not ALL women want to get married - especially to a married man.
2: In some countries there are more women than men - yet Polyandry is not permitted in the Qur'an.

- Peter Morris, Birmingham, England

what Muslim men are doing, with regards to women staying at home, is no different to the 50-60's sedford wife life style. However the women were celerbrated for doing that.

- Samantha Morgan, BIRMINGHAM

I'm 59 Divorced worked, Just been made redundant!!! and the state gives me £63. a week to survive on, Ive paid well over all my insurance stamps and taxes, what for!! so all these foreigners can claim these benefits and the true British who have worked all their lives find out the reason they are struggling is that all the tax and insurance they worked hard to pay were not for their security in their old age but to pay for all the foreigners that come in this country, about time their was a civil war to sort this out as the government will never support their law abiding citizens, About time we took it into our own hands

- Christine London, London

Im a female muslim (and proud) but whilst polygamy is allowed in islam (there are far too many women in the world than men and if every man married just one woman what would happen to the rights of the other women?), however the husband has to support his OWN wives and children, it is unislamic to have others pay for them as the primary role of the husband is to provide and maintain his own family, the responsibility does not fall onto others!. The govt. needs to find the islamic ruling on this from a proper shariah perspective. Pls do your research before responding.

- Muslim123, London

As a woman, I am outraged that this can happen in a "civilized" country like Britain(?) Why aren`t people protesting - expecially women? Is polygamy against the law or not? If so, the law should be strictly enforced. And certainly these people should NOT be supported with money. They must be laughing at the British all the way to the bank.

- Cate Pycock, Montreal, Canada

I agree this is a joke, and I am a Muslim. I believe that we should follow the rules of this country, which is essentially a Christian nation. It's ridiculous that they are entitled to extra benefits but also in reality how many people are actually doing this?

I think all reasonably intelligent Muslims all agree this should not be allowed to happen here and also let's have a reality check and really look at the figures for people actually doing this. Let's look at the real stats not just media headlines.

- Sultan, England

Please can we stop chipping way at our Christian society? When are we going to stop bending the rules for other faiths? This government is making a mockery of the ordinary, law-abiding people.

- Jb, London

Yet another case of turning the U.K. into an Islamic state. Good old Labour! This government EVEN pays ALL people over 60 yrs of age, £200 towards their heating bills, even if they live in Spain / Greece / Cayman Islands etc. on a permanent basis. This left wing lot, are determined to bring this country to it's knees.

- Alexander Bell, London / England

When will the government and the people in UK stand up and claim the UK back.

Talk ,talk ...action.

- Uniiq, Denmark

Where is the feminist outrage?

- Eric, UK

Who the hell made that decision? Right I'm converting for the benefits! When will we do something about this ridiculous abuse of public trust?

- Mark, London, UK

I'd actually be sympathetic were this to be possible only when a man who already has multiple wives, legally married in an Islamic country, later applies for and is granted British citizenship. It'll be a pretty rare special case.

However, if a man is a British citizen already, he should not be able to travel abroad in order to enter into polygamous marriages and then have them recognised by our state to the extent of extra state benefits. He's free to have a ceremony, and maybe the polygamous "wife" can be granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK as long as she lives with him and he supports her (as is required by Islamic law!), but surely that's as far as our tolerance can stretch. Extra money from the taxpayer - NO WAY!

- Nigel, London

Our elderly have to sell their homes in order to receive the care they need, even though they have worked all their lives. We can't even find a NHS dentist because the Government has privatised it. It has run out of money because they have to pay for Muslim votes. How's that for enrichment?

- Sylvie Howard, Ilford Essex

Someday soon the U.K. MIGHT be remembered for at one time being the greatest country on the face of the earth, but without question IT WILL BE REMEMBERED for destroying itself while worshipping at the altar of PCness, and pandering to every minority that is invading the country. The U.K. is begging for its own destruction, and it is getting destroyed. Soon when one looks up the meaning of the word STUPID in the dictionary, they will see a picture of the United Kingdom.

- Daniel, UK

When all the law-abiding, taxpaying British people have had enough and left this once 'Great Britain', who's going to pay for these ridiculous ideas ?

This is bound to cause more ill-feelings. The world must be laughing at the incompetence of the UK's government.

- Nic, London, UK

Where is the stupidity going to end?

- Terry S Senton, Hounslow Middx

Shame on Nu Labor.

- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London

If the UK is bent on self-destruction they are certainly making a good job of it.

- Kathleen, Connecticut, USA

Outrageous - but hardly surprising considering this Government's track record. It really is so depressing, the country is going backwards instead of progressing.

- Libby, London

This is a sick joke, right?

- B Caligari, London, UK

The more that people are treated differently due to religion then the greater excuse people have for discrimination. Same rule for everyone and then there is no excuse.

- Sally, London

Where are we all going then? Australia is making us welcome, and seems very appealing. Perhaps a bit far? I was in South-west France recently, and life seems very good down there. If you are staying behind in the UK, All the Best.

- Diablo, Herts

Does anyone else see how one sided this is? No wonder people are flocking to England. Government when are you idiots going to wake up?

- J.Lamb, Lakewood, CO

Muslims can have 4 wives only if they can support them.

- N Grinsell, London

And my friends here in the States wonder why I don't want to return to England to live .

- Dee, Chesapeake USA formerly W4

I am a British Indian and think this is the most absurd thing I have ever heard of. We live in the United Kingdom, where there are many cultures, religions etc.....does this now mean that every religion will get payouts for whatever they want? ridiculous!

I pay taxes and do not want my money going to people who cannot get off there backsides and work, let alone pay for the addition of four wives!

Plus, all those that have no religion (or have a religion but will convert "on paper!") and do not work, could in fact say that they have converted to Islam, get four women to marry them under their religion and claim tax money! My HARD EARNED tax money. the government is opening up two very big cans of worms (1. in-equality and a divide amongst different cultures, 2. descrimination against all other)!

A very annoyed British Indian!

- Hs, London

I can't even utilise my non-working wifes unused tax allowance! How can up to 4 non working, non-recognised, illegally married, immigrants suddenly have the right (and you can be sure loads of them already claim) to 4 lots of income support, child benefit, job seekers allowance, Tax credits - and ultimately pension, fuel allowance, housing benefit, NHS care, and a raft of other 'taxpayer funded' benefits? It is a total shambles, bought in to appease yet again the tiny minority of left wing PC DoGooder parasites!

- Gary Parker, amersham

Another way of adding to this country's already large deficit of payments. When will the money run out? Would the original true Brits get money or benefits like this if we went abroad?

- H. O'Dell, Hertford, Herts

You'd think that if a man had four wives that at least one or two of them could go out and get jobs! I completely disagree with anyone receiving government handouts because of his/her religion.

If you don't like the existing laws in a nation to which you have just emigrated, then leave!

- Katie, Vancouver, Canada

I think if you're married to four you deserve compensation.

- Frank, England

Silly people, you are all pawns of our government who wish to cause racial and religious divide, and you are doing exactly what the government wants. The only enemy in our country sits in Westminster!

- Daveb, london

Surely if bigamy is unlawful, these people should be tried in a court of law rather than given hard earned taxpayers money. Doesn't that just sum up this country at present? I certainly will not be voting for this useless government again.

- Jules, Harrow

The money could be better used supporting the elderly in the country, they derserve it much more.
If someone wants a harem and loads of children, then be prepared to pay for it yourself, Don't expect others to foot the bill.
What idiot came up with this idea in the first place.


- Malc, London,England

Quite apart from the fact that bigamy is unlawful in this Country, my understanding of Islamic law states that if a mulsim man takes a number of wives, this is permissable provided he can maintain and support them - I don't remember reading anything about applying to the British Taxpayer for supportive funds.

- Alan Eaves, Buckhurst Hill Essex

THIS IS THE UNITED KINGDOM - BIGAMY IS ILLEGAL.
This is downright digusting. I want to claim benefits for the fact that my daughter wants to go back to work but cannot afford a childminder and I have to work to pay my mortgage. How about that one? Any chance? Not likely I am a British born Britain and have absolutely no rights whatsoever.

- Minime, South East England

It is becoming clear that hardworking people who comply fully with UK laws are being taken for a ride by everyone including our Government if people aren't prepared to fully comply then they should be excluded from benefits.
They should not recognize Sharia Law.

- Mike Melbourne, Bedford England

It's only fair to compensate them for having more than one mother-in-law!

- Keith, King's Cross

Another sign of what a pathetic, spineless country we have become under New labour. I am ashamed of being 'English',

- Rjb, LONDON, UK

Polygamous marriage is not allowed in this country - they are living in our country they should abide by our laws.

- Rachroo, Edinburgh

We are now the outsiders. If I really want to say how I feel, it would be unprintable. We need to make our feelings be heard as Nu Labour are totally not listening.

- Phillip Jordan, Chatham Kent

I believe that the Koran states that a muslim man may have up to four wives as long as he can provide for them.

If they are on benefits then quite clearly they cannot afford four wives.

Who would want four wives? one is usually more than enough!

- Jimbob, Kensington

Does this mean I can head out to a country where polygamy is legal, market myself to potential immigrants who want to come to the UK, marry 5 of them, come back to the UK (with my wives - I assume they now legally have the right to enter the UK), apply for benefits and live happily every after?

- Headhunter, London

Let's have the slippery Jack Straw give an open public meeting to defend this change in OUR law.

- Tony, London

This is a total farce. I am going to marry a few women and then let the law try to prosecute me as I would love to hear the justification of why some can do it and others can't.
I have a far better suggestion, if you want one, five of ten wives, get up and go and find a job and support them. Don't rely on our weak government as hopefully they won't be in power much longer.... Either that or there is soon to be a revolt by the poeple of this country!
Yours sincerely,
A British Taxpayer!

- Daniel, London

I think this issue could be the turning point. I predict a massive backlash against Muslims as they will now be perceived to be getting double or even quadruple benefits.

The Govt. are clearly running scared of Islam with the news today of the new document that is to be used to describe acts of terrorism without mentioning Islam or Muslims.

The question I'm sure most of us will be asking is why?

- Paul, Harrow, Uk

When in Rome do as the Romans do! This saying has endured for millenia, why should muslims be treated differently? Sick and disgusted, no wonder I left the UK!

- Marianne, SW France

I totally agree with Casper Slides, Britain is finished. God help our kids! I hope mine emigrate to a free and fair country that values hardworking families who want to provide a decent life for their children.

- Tina, London, UK

Council tax is based on two liable-to-pay residents, regardless of property size. There is no additional charge for more than two liable adults living at the same address (and only a quarter discount for one person), so how can a benefit be payable for additional wives if no additional charge is made for additional residents? A benefit is to compensate for a charge that someone is unable to pay. If there is no charge, there should be no possibility to claim benefit.

- Clare, Cambridge, UK

Don't blame Muslims for this law. Its the British authorities who've come up with the ruling.

The vast majority, (something like 99.9%) of British Muslims don't practice polygamy so it will affect only a tiny minority. And given that someone who does have multiple wives should to be able to 'afford' to take care of them, in practice I don't think there will be many claimants at all.

- Naz, London

"only the first marriage is legally recognised. " So why are we paying extra benefits? Utterly disgraceful. 1 spouse, 1 benefit. End of.

- Peter Bench, London

A man who has four wives is not likely to allow them to go out to work, so there is no hope they will ever contribute to the workforce, let alone taxes. Single, British mums will be forced to go out to work to pay for them! Where is Gordon Brown's moral compass? His much quoted father must be turning in his grave. I hope voters will remember all this when the next election comes.

- Beatriz, London

I'm always happy to open my cheque book to sub scroungers, idlers and ne'er do wells out of my already swingingly taxed income. By the way, did I mention I married an extra 10 women while on holiday in the Middle East last year? Where do I sign up?

- Paul, London

One person out of work I can understand, but two, three or four. None of the women in article can find work? If a Muslim man chooses not to allow his wife to work, in general they do not. Right or wrong, I don’t see why the tax payer has to pay for a belief that is shared by a very small minority. I am sick of politically correct politicians making new rules which are quite frankly ridiculous.

- Paul B, London

I am white, middle class, married with two kids. I pay 40% of my income in taxes, plus an extortionate amount in council tax. I am crippling myself finacially to put my kids through private school, and I am sinking further and further into debt. I obey the law, I vote and would like to view myself as a responsible citizen. All my choice, and I do not ask anyone to feel sorry for me. I take responsibility for my actions.

I do not benefit much from the 'State', who in return are bleeding me dry. In return, I read that the state is now going to pay extra benefits to muslim men who have more than one wife. If I married more than once, I would be rightly prosecuted, as this is against our law. Why then are muslims allowed to get away with this? It is a prejudiced decision which should surely be challenged in the courts. If they do not like our laws, then they should settle somewhere else.

I am absolutely fed up with the pandering to the whims of minority groups at the expense of the silent majority, who in turn pay to support these decisions. Where are the politicians of conviction who will stand up to this pathetic government, and why are the UK population so slow in turning against this disastrous Labour party?


- Tom, London

The UK has become a total joke - thanks to New Labour! But not much longer. The UK becomes a province of the new European Union federal state at the last stroke of Big Ben sending out 2008. Let us hope that EU laws will make a bit more sense (I have my doubts).

- Phil Jones, London, UK

There is no 'Great' in Britain anymore as the country we used to love no longer belongs to us and I do not understand why our men and women are being sent to war to lose their lives for the sake of a country that does not exist.

- Monica, Portsmouth

"Islamic law permits men to have up to four wives at any one time - known as a harem - provided the husband spends equal amounts of time and money on each of them."

Why does this so called man have so many wives if obviously cannot afford them! Ridiculous!

- Charlie, London

So, presumably by the same token if I were to have my 5 girlfriends move in with me then I could claim the same benefits? No? Thought not.

- Polly Gamus, London

This Government has gone crazy. As Emma rightly says in a Muslim country lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender partnerships would certainly not be recognised. I object paying taxes to be wasted in this way. If these men want to have more than one wife good on them but don't expect the British tax payer to pay for them. Their total beneift will be more than I get as a state pension that I have worked for over a period of 47 years.

- Alan Martin, London

I am so happy not to be an English taxpayer.

- Gli, London

They should pay for their own way of life and not expect tax payers to fund it.

- James Sibley, London, England

So here we have Sharia law overuling UK law - we're being taken over by stealth, encouraged by this complicit Government.

- Nigel, St Albans, UK

Unbelievable!

- Catherine, Radlett

Surely this will just encourage Muslim men to take more wives for financial gain?

- Emma, Nunhead, UK

The benefits of being Muslim in Britain are becoming more & more attractive, where do I sign up?

Is there a maximum number of wives I can have? this could be a nice little earner.

- Lee Smith, Peterborough

This is ludicrous! We are NOT a muslim country and bigamy is illegal here so this should not be entertained!

If someone wants to flout OUR laws, traditions and culture then they should be living in a country where THEIR laws, traditions and culture is 'normal'.

Oh and if a guy wants to have four wives and however many children then he should be working to support them, not expecting the tax payer to pander to his beliefs.

Who decides these things?

- Helen, Peterborough UK

A British born person breaks the law if they commit bigamy. The welfare state should be a level playing field. Paying welfare benefits to multiple wives will just encourage dependency, and also alienate the majority of the population who have to pick up the bill via taxes.

- Ab, London

So when can I start complaining about discrimination as I only have one wife and obey the law?

Does this also apply to Mormons?

- Les, Essex, UK

And yet in the United States I can't marry the man who has been my same-sex partner for 29 years.

- Jack Fritscher, San Francisco US

Has the government gone mad? All women should immediately protest to their MP. Polygamy is inherently abusive of women. And stupid, too, because it means that there are always too many men unable to find partners, so it abuses men too, except for the pampered petty tyrant with a harem.

- Clarina, Mebourne Australia

Absolutely shocking. Can the British people tolerate anymore from this inept government?

- Jacqueline, Derbyshire

Hey what about my dog can I claim for her now as well? Messed up, when will it stop?

- Mark A. Lack, Canada

This country has gone completely mad. If I had the means to emigrate to somewhere else more sensible, I wouldn't hesitate

- Lmd, North London

'There are fewer than 1,000 polygamous marriages in the UK and only a small percentage of these are claiming social security benefit.' How can this be if polygamy is illegal in Britain? Why are these people, who are surely foreign nationals, allowed to import their law into Britain? You can bet your life that this is not a reciprocal arrangement!
If they're foreigners sponging off the taxpayer, kick them out, now!
We already have enough home-grown ne'er do wells, we certainly do not need to import them!

- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster

The Government are running scared of Muslim extremists. When will they go shopping and get some guts?

- Tangomike, Kensington, London

It's the assault on housing that is the biggest issue.

- Frank H, London

This is taking place when this crackpot of a government says it can not afford to keep so many people on incapacity benefit, are closing down 2500 rural post offices, cutting subsidies to councils thus forcing our council taxes to be doubled over the last 10 years, are wasting billions of pounds of taxpayers money on computerised systems that are eventually scrapped when they are seen not to work, are prepared to spend billions of pounds on the Iraq''war'' which we can never win, are withdrawing social care from the elderly and the infirm [our MP's are about to award themselves a higher than inflation pay increase!] while telling the police and the nurses they must accept only 1.5% . The waste goes on and on and on.

- Keith Hedges, Wheatley oxford UK

So if I say that I am a member of a religion which believes in a man having ten wives I will, presumably, be able to claim for all of them and our children? l0 wives, let's see, that would probably be about 100 children, well, it would be only fair wouldn't it?

- A Mann, London

What the..... What about English law? Maybe this will start a trend!

- Joe Agustin, Va. USA

It is the 1st April already?

- Scott, London

You have to be kidding me? This is the most outrageous thing I have heard in a long, long time. What the heck is going on in Britain? I used to live there and ten years ago something like this wouldn't have even been considered. First the government allows Islamic extremist clerics to claim benefits in Britain while preaching death to Tony Blair and now they can claim extra tax payer's income for committing the crime of bigamy? If they don't want to assimilate into British culture, which they clearly do not, then buy them and their wives a one way ticket back to their homeland where they can have a happy harem legally and not be supported by the working people of Britain!

- Jim, Washington, DC, USA

Ths is outrageous, Polygamy is unlawful under British law, and therefore why should British taxpayers have to pay for extra benefits for second or third wives - this is Britain and therefore British law applies. I do not see why I have to pay more tax to fund these spongers.

- Lily, London

If a gay married couple went to live in a Muslim country, would they get the same treatment, given that the marriage took place in a country where it was lawful? What is this country coming to? Is this what Gordon Brown means by being British - rolling over and giving up when the fight looks a little bit difficult? It makes me ashamed to admit I'm British...

- Emma, Staines, UK

This is it, Britain as we know is finished now. This government has handed Britain over to the immigrants and there is no way back.

- Casper Slides, Bath, UK

The Bigamy offence must now be dead in the water. This is just a crafty way of getting around the Bigamy laws.

Boy, has this country lost the plot or what!

- Michael Murphy, brightlingsea, england

This is a joke, surely. Maybe the date on my PC is wrong at it's actually April 1st today.

- Crw, London

Islamic law may permit polygamy, but British law quite clearly does not.

Benefits to husbands with multiple wives must not be allowed here.

Islamic law permits stoning and beheading. Will this also be allowed?
UK Law permits alcohol and doesn't punish sex outside marriage. Will these customs be permitted in Islamic countries for non-Muslims?

Thought not.

Tollerance is a two way street. At present it seems to have been turned into a one way street without any benefit.

- Adam, Harrow, Uk

Isn't Bigamy illegal in this country or did the Govt introduce Sharia Law ?

- Squiz, Islington

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