Should polygamy be illegal?

[Astaroth]

I am personally not really a fan of having multiple spouses (way too much trouble!) but I wonder why polygamy is actually illegal. If someone is fine with his husband or wife having additional spouses, why would that be a problem? And why should the state get involved?

I'd like to discuss the pros and cons of legalizing this but I can't even really think of any real disadvantages or problems. Sure, some might say it is degrading to women. However, it would obviously apply to both sexes - a woman could also have multiple husbands. Furthermore, of course nobody would be forced to marry someone if they didn't want to. But if one doesn't mind being one of several spouses, what's the problem? I guess it could be an issue if someone got divorced from several spouses and had to support them financially as a result, but that's more of a personal matter. Not really the state's problem if people make irresponsible decisions (as long as they only harm themselves).

I guess there must be some kind of 'moral' reason for why polygamy isn't allowed but I can't really think of anything. What is wrong about several consenting adults living together?

Thoughts?

[Gromovnik]

It's a cultural thing and pretty much every society has it's taboos.

[Astaroth]

It's a cultural thing and pretty much every society has it's taboos.

So in short there's no real reason for it.

I understand the need for 'taboos' when necessary - for example, children cannot give consent so doing anything with them should definitely be illegal. But why restrict what consenting adults can do as long as nobody is harmed?

I don't really see the point in that.

[Gromovnik]

So in short there's no real reason for it.

I understand the need for 'taboos' when necessary - for example, children cannot give consent so doing anything with them should definitely be illegal. But why restrict what consenting adults can do as long as nobody is harmed?

I don't really see the point in that.

But that's why it's forbidden. It contradicts our society's norms. Of course the world woudn't end if it was the other way around, but that custom became deeply rooted in our culture, and so poligamy is legally banned.

[removeduser_4536284751384]

But that's why it's forbidden. It contradicts our society's norms. Of course the world woudn't end if it was the other way around, but that custom became deeply rooted in our culture, and so poligamy is legally banned.

but should it be?

[Gromovnik]

but should it be?

Well that is a matter of opinion. I think that it shouldn't, on the grounds of preserving our cultural norms. Besides that, it's perfectly legal to live with as many partners as you like, so it's only a piece of paper anyway.

[Tom Crooze]

Because, why would you need multiple partners? More sex?

[(s)AINT]

Because, why would you need multiple partners? More sex?

That is the only reason I'd every think of having multiple partners.

[removeduser_4536284751384]

That is the only reason I'd every think of having multiple partners.

it's possible to like two partners very much.

[removeduser_4536284751384]

It shouldn't be. The state shouldn't recognise marriage at all.

[Squiggle]

It shouldn't be. The state shouldn't recognise marriage at all.

Thats idiotic. The state has an interest in involving itself in and promoting social institutions which are beneficial. Monogamous marriage is, polygamous marriage is not. Simple.

[Fight!]

Yeah, social norms. It's rather silly though. Why needlessly restrict the rights of others, ya know?

[Denny Crane!]

It comes down to the roots of marriage in the christian legal tradition.

[basics]

" It comes down to the roots of marriage in the christian legal tradition. "

Denny Crane,

That's absolutely correct. The man and woman make one body just as Christ and His body the church make one. This was how Israel was taught to behave and how we Christians have followed on.

That said I don't think that the advocates of multiple partners within a marriage quite understand what that means nor will they until we can extract the idea of extra sex out of their heads.

It means multiple in-laws so if you have been on the wrong side of them as it stands and I have, I think that multiple ones would be more of a deterrent than an advantage. In fact I'm quite sure of that.

[Manco]

With the way how current marriage is intertwined with all kinds of legal benefits and duties it would be nearly impossible to implement polygamy. Inheritance laws, custodianship,... are all based on a system with two people in a couple. Even unmarried parents and divorced/remarried couples still face a lot of problems of a practical nature, simply because the system is taking too long to catch up with reality.

So first either the state has to make marriage laws alot more fluid and streamlined, or get out of marriage all together.

[Helm]

Evolution and biology set the rules for this one, you'll notice there's only one woman for one man not five women for one man. Also the human gene pool isn't particularly diverse as it is.

[Manco]

Evolution and biology set the rules for this one, you'll notice there's only one woman for one man not five women for one man. Also the human gene pool isn't particularly diverse as it is.

You'll also notice that this isn't true, there are more women than men and historically the divide was even far greater.

[Helm]

You'll also notice that this isn't true, there are more women than men and historically the divide was even far greater.

Only because more males die as young infants, this happened more in the past than now. But we're talking a very small difference. Not everyone can have three wives there isn't enough to go around. Besides women aren't meant to be possessions to own, try not take any notice of what the Koran has to say on this.

[removeduser_4536284751384]

Only because more males die as young infants, this happened more in the past than now. But we're talking a very small difference. Not everyone can have three wives there isn't enough to go around.

a male having 2-4 wives was common in antiquity. In fact Europe was the only real monogamous place until modern times.

[Helm]

a male having 2-4 wives was common in antiquity. In fact Europe was the only real monogamous place until modern times.

Yeah but that was the was just for the wealthy elite not the commoners. If there were 2-4 women for every man then ok we should have 2-4 wives that's the only way it can work.