SSM, NONTRADITIONAL MARRIAGES, AND POLYGAMY: Matt Taylor replies to Mark Miller

In response to R.K. Becker's variation on the slippery slope argument, Mark Miller writes: "...While I'm sure there are some who support unlimited marriage laws with no rules or lines drawn, I am not among them. There should be lines drawn with regard to marriage but I am not sure why that line should drawn based on gender. ... I am sure why that line should drawn at involving two people."

Many have personal moral objections to polygamy, but that is not sufficient to justify a legal ban on group marriages. Just as SSM proponents have argued that gay marriage has no effect on heterosexual couples, I can't see how letting a man have two wives in Utah would affect me and my (one) partner. Some have argued that polygamous marriages have historically involved coercion of young girls, but the problem there is the coercion, not the polygamy. We already have laws to protect young people from exploitation, and they would remain in force if polygamy were legalized.

Yes, lines should be drawn with regard to marriage, but they should be drawn only on the basis of human rights and the welfare of children. Marriages that offend tradition and/or the sensibilities of some citizens should be permitted, so long as the interests of children are upheld and no coercion or deception is involved.
posted by Eve at 4:42 PM | link

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