Agreed that children born of incest can have defects. But is safe incestuous sex (using condom) also immoral?

Question

I know of a brother-sister couple, both unmarried and in their late forties, who are "reputed" on our street to indulge in incestuous sex. They appear the pleasant non-interfering type from what little I've seen of them, mainly at the supermarket. They most probably take some birth control precautions as they haven't brought a child into the world.
I don't see the "immorality" in what they are said to do. I don't see why society shuns them, or why the law should interfere in what is essentially their own private matter.

"eww disgusting" is not an answer I'm looking for. I look forward to a healthy exchange of views in this forum.

Answer 1

I don't think it's immoral, but morality is a cultural concept and can be defined by any society as anything most of the people agree on. It's not a thing by itself. Since people are naturally wired to reject the notion of incest, it stands to reason that it will always be regarded as immoral, simply as a reflection of their natural disinclination toward it. It's not something that can be reasoned with, since they aren't even conscious of why they react the way they do ("Eewww!", "gross!", "disgusting!").

I've seen the bonding mechanism in action (that keeps people from being attracted toward siblings), and it's fascinating to watch, like trying to force two same-pole magnets together. It's pretty powerful when it's fully functioning. But without it, siblings are no different to each other than strangers and can easily be attracted to each other (probably more than strangers because they have so much in common).

And resulting kids "may" have defects, but most don't and are perfectly healthy; most problems result from successive generations of inbreeding. There are probably a lot of families out there with sibling offspring. (I suspect in many cases where "the condom broke" the father really is mom's brother, and no one suspects because the baby looks like mom and no one else.)

I don't know how to address the legality. A couple in Wisconsin discovered after they had kids that they were siblings, and their kids were instantly taken away from them, "in the great and awful name of Law" (to quote a sci fi story I once read). That doesn't seem right. I understand why people think it should be illegal, I just don't agree that it should be. But human nature will out every time, I'm afraid.

Answer 2

well i mean, i think most people on here grew up being fed that doing a family member is wrong and from that people see it as disgusting. Similar to how little racist are made, i dont think someone should stop them from doing it cause they should be able to do what they want even if you dont agree with them on this matter, there are some matters where bob cannot agree or let people do things, but this is not one of them. thats bobs opinon anyways, bob does not try to judge and be ignorant, but bob feels that it is imorally wrong for bob to sleep with a family member.


BBBBBBBob-Unit

Answer 3

I guess it depends on the way you were brought up and what morals were instilled in you as a child. Even though I think my brother is pretty hot, the thought of sleeping with him makes my skin crawl and my stomach queasy.But as long as no children are born and they ain't flaunting it around town then to each it's own.

Answer 4

I guess it's their private life, and they can do as they wish. It doesn't sound like they are doing anyone harm, except maybe their family, if it is causing them distress or embarassment.

Of course, what you describe is just local gossip, which may or may not be true!

Answer 5

eww disgusting