Random question: does legalization of gay marriage mean that we must legalize polygamy as well?
Provided, of course, that all these marriage contracts are between consenting partners…why should polygamy be illegal?
My very unsophisticated rationale is that two’s a party, three’s a crowd. And that polygamy (of the one male, multiple females variety) will inevitably create a gender imbalance in society based on which men hold power and wealth. I mean, look at Hugh Hefner. Blecch.
Coming from a family in which polygamy was practiced, there are some horror stories passed down about how second, third, fourth wives were treated, and the tangled relationships that resulted. I guess it could be argued that monogamous marriage doesn’t have such a great track record, either. Still, I think the human capacity for jealousy should not be underestimated. Thus: couples of any sex, fine by me. But two’s the limit.
Thoughts? I don’t think my rationale has any legal basis, considering that the idea of marriage as currently touted by most people is “legally binding union between adults.” Legally speaking, what would be the logic of permitting marriage between a man and a woman, two men, or two women, while not permitting it between 3+ people?
