Thus , Reynolds 's conviction was upheld , as was the constitutionality of the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act .
The court rejected Reynolds 's argument that the Latter - day Saint practice of plural marriage was protected by the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution .
Reynolds 's conviction was upheld , as was the constitutionality of the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act .
The court rejected Reynolds 's argument that the Latter - day Saint practice of plural marriage was protected by the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution .