Whenever the subject of gay marriage comes up, often I see a comparison made between it and polygamous marriages, as though it was so horrific or immoral that it should be used in the slippery-slope argument.
In examing the issue of marriage, it seems people are interested in maintaining our cultural definition of marriage, which excludes consideration for other cultural marriage practices. These include polygamous marriages, which are accepted throughout the world and in past cultures. In fact, it is even practiced by many Jewish religious figures in the Old Testament. I do not understand why polygamy, therefore, should be against the law in a supposedly secular nation, when in fact, I can't seem to find anything objectionable about it that doesn't involve biblical interpretations.
With the increasing acceptance of non-traditional western marriages, I do think polygamy will be a more debated subject in the future. Especially when these marriages involve bisexual partners, rather than all heterosexual ones.
In evaluating this, I see emotional benefits and hardships for the partners involved, both being about equal. For children, I see an advantage in having more of chance of getting attention and possibly a stay-at-home parent. The only downside I can see is a vague assertion that it will somehow 'harm' the child in being raised. However, single parent households prove that having one male and one female parent is not necessary for development. Economically, it is obviously advantageous.
So, can someone tell me why this issue is a big deal at all? Outside of violating the status quo, of course.
*Note - I am not trying to condone this in any way. I am trying to understand the objections of others to have a greater understanding on this issue.
In examing the issue of marriage, it seems people are interested in maintaining our cultural definition of marriage, which excludes consideration for other cultural marriage practices. These include polygamous marriages, which are accepted throughout the world and in past cultures. In fact, it is even practiced by many Jewish religious figures in the Old Testament. I do not understand why polygamy, therefore, should be against the law in a supposedly secular nation, when in fact, I can't seem to find anything objectionable about it that doesn't involve biblical interpretations.
With the increasing acceptance of non-traditional western marriages, I do think polygamy will be a more debated subject in the future. Especially when these marriages involve bisexual partners, rather than all heterosexual ones.
In evaluating this, I see emotional benefits and hardships for the partners involved, both being about equal. For children, I see an advantage in having more of chance of getting attention and possibly a stay-at-home parent. The only downside I can see is a vague assertion that it will somehow 'harm' the child in being raised. However, single parent households prove that having one male and one female parent is not necessary for development. Economically, it is obviously advantageous.
So, can someone tell me why this issue is a big deal at all? Outside of violating the status quo, of course.
*Note - I am not trying to condone this in any way. I am trying to understand the objections of others to have a greater understanding on this issue.
