Why isn't Polygamy legal?

Question

If they can have Gay Marriages why not polygamy

Answer 1

Because this country was founded by Protestants who don't condone having multiple spouses.

Answer 2

First of all, gay marriage does not exist in any US jurisdiction, and most US jurisdictions do not even allow civil unions.

Second, polygamy is illegal for weighty reasons of public policy. The fact that it exists, as someone pointed out, in "much of the world" isn't a justification for allowing it here. What's good for the goose isn't necessarily good for the gander.

The unfettered practice of polygamy as it is preached by ultra-fundamentalist Mormons, for example, would adversely impact public health by severely restricting the gene pool (since a lot of men would be deprived of access to mates). It would increase violent crime and the demand for prostitution, putting additional pressures on the public fisc to address those problems. Most crucially, however, polygamy facilitates the forming of enormous clans and the takeover of the State by them (generally after a prolonged civil war with other clans). This is why democratic societies have eschewed polygamy since the ancient times (with very, very narrow exceptions). The parts of the world where polygamy is widespread are tribal societies ruled by monarchies or religious councils. This lifestyle is not exactly suitable to our social structure and political system.

Answer 3

I'll just repeat what most responders said, gay marriages aren't legal in our country as of yet. I personally think polygamy is demeaning to women..

Answer 4

O.K. common sense. The biggest point to being married legally is so that the law recognizes one person to have legal rights to your possessions and children and to make decisions for you should you be deemed incapable or dead. When you introduce multiple people into the marriage this defeats the purpose. If you wish to be married by God, and your religious beliefs allow for that, then what difference does the legality of it make?
Personally I think it's sick. Just take a look at the huge polygamist groups we have in this country. I'm not saying everyone is the same, but many of them participate in sexual abuse of children, underage marriages, rape, and are in great poverty. Many also treat women like possessions or slaves. Not really good for society.
Bye the way, I'm not sure how I feel about religious marriage of Gay people, but I'm all for it legally.

Answer 5

Because it was not the custom of the North European tribes and because the Catholic church prohibited it, so it was easy for the post Roman European states to forbid it. It was also legally convenient for descent & inheritance purposes in the European feudal system.

In fact, same sex marriage has almost no historical precedent, while polygamy has been around longer than government enforced monogamy, and still exists in much of the world.

Answer 6

gay marriages are not legal. polygamy will never be. Gay marriages will eventually be accepted in about 10-15 states within about 10 years. the two-are not the same. why bother arguing about it.

Answer 7

Comparing Gay marriage rights to polygamy is like comparing apples to baseballs, the two are not related.

Answer 8

That law was made by the "moral right wing" years and years and years ago. In this day and age, I don't know why they bother though. Polygamy should be it's own punishment. Why would anybody in their right mind even WANT more than one spouse. Just think of it logically......more than one wife -- each wanting their own new car or a new diamond or their own credit card. Or....more than one husband -- each needing laundry to be done, supper to be cooked. The personal ramifications of those situations can be staggering.

Answer 9

Gay marriages aren't legal.

Polygamy isn't legal either mostly because society has the good sense to know that having only one wife at a time simplifies property disputes and inheritance.

Answer 10

It will probably be challenged in the courts next. If you totally re-define the meaning of marriage then any joining of people can be called marriage-opposite sex, same sex, multiple partners, younger age of consent.....it's all wide open.