Equality, Qua Equality? (LBD viii, ToC xvi)

If bigamy is illegal in Br*tain how can the law (whether English or Scotch) recognise and accept a legally non-existent 'second' wife, even if permitted by an offender's peculiar religious beliefs, as a mitigating factor when determining a penalty? Who can doubt that were anyone else to argue that a driving ban would create difficulties for him in shuttling between his one legally permitted wife and another woman whom he regards as a wife, he would be given short shrift?

Equality before the law? They're having a laugh.

Gruff thanks to Theo Spark for the link.