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I Kind of Feel Like the Polygamists Have a Point
Up in Canada, where far fewer Americans are making plans to relocate thanks to Obama, an interesting legal question has arisen. See, up in Canada, those liberal minded heathens have legalized gay marriage and, thus, modified the definition of marriage. And hell: Since they’ve modified the whole between one man and one woman part, what’s stopping them from changing the one woman part?
Winston Blackmore, 52, and James Oler, 44, are each accused of being married to more than one woman at a time. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison, British Columbia Attorney General Wally Oppal said.
But Blackmore’s lawyer, Blair Suffredine, said during a telephone interview that marriage standards in Canada have changed.
“If (homosexuals) can marry, what is the reason that public policy says one person can’t marry more than one person?” said Suffredine, a former provincial lawmaker. Canada’s Parliament extended full marriage rights to same-sex couples in 2005.
It’s not an unreasonable argument, is it? And what the hell is wrong with multiple wives, anyway? As long as they’re not underage and there is no coercion, what harm are polygamist causing the greater world? Other than, you know, limiting the odds for the rest of the men.
Comments
here is the issue, with polygamy, an overwhelming portion of the time, comes forced marriage and child marriage. I don't think these men should be prosecuted if their wives married them with full knowledge and consent, however I do think that refusing to legally recognize these marriages is necessary until they can come up with a better way to protect the children involved.
Posted by adeline | January 22, 2009 2:35 PM
I'd like two or three more husbands so long as they can clean up after themselves in the bathroom.
Posted by dawn | January 22, 2009 2:39 PM
@dawn: This. No one ever talks about polyandry. I think there would have to be a large polyandrous movement for plural marriages to gain public recognition.
Posted by Kat | January 22, 2009 3:15 PM
@Kat: agreed, but I have to wait til my mother is gone before I can go public or she'll beat me with her bible.
Posted by dawn | January 22, 2009 3:35 PM
I agree that, as long as the marriages are truly consensual (and between adults), then there is no problem with poly- marriages. The only issue I can think of is that it would require a new system of dividing assets and custody upon divorce, especially in a community property state. However, reluctance to reform family law shouldn't be a reason to keep people from getting married.
But seriously... who would want two spouses?? I can barely handle one boyfriend without going insane.
Posted by three elle, esq. | January 22, 2009 4:07 PM
I'm figuring they can amuse each other when I'm busy or out scouting talent. Besides, I haven't had a husband yet who could keep up with me. Maybe three or four could handle it between them.
Posted by dawn | January 22, 2009 4:35 PM
OK, the estrogen coming from this thread is making my fucking eyes water!
Posted by Bill Weldon | January 22, 2009 5:37 PM
Can we just do away with marriage already? Kind of solves everything real quick.....
Posted by Diablo | January 22, 2009 6:16 PM
It's fine, as long as there are a few requirements, which in reality are hardly, if ever, met:
1) Both men and women can marry as many people as they want. It is not limited to polyandry, polygamy, or polyamory.
2) Consent of every existing partner to a newcomer is required, consent of the newcomer to every existing partner is required.
3) Not coerced, Not underage.
4) Spousal benefits are reasonably limited.
5) If one spouse is a primary caretaker for the family unit then that spouse must be able to show the ability to care for an additional spouse. While this is not a requirement in monogamous marriages, it is reasonable when the social and economic impact of a polyamorous relationship is considered if not properly secured.
Posted by B | January 22, 2009 6:20 PM
@B: I agree to everything you wrote but would like to add a couple more:
6)At least one of the spouses must be a decent cook.
and 7)His and Her bathrooms will be required.
Posted by dawn | January 22, 2009 6:58 PM
I'm all for finding a second wife (she'll be SAH, I'll keep working). However, I've been told by my brilliant husband that what I really want is a housekeeper.
Oh, and three elle, in addition to divorce, don't forget about the hot mess probate will be with multiple spouses with varying numbers of kids. Per stirpes is NOT helping here!
Posted by SneakyLawyer | January 23, 2009 1:41 PM