Should polygamy be legalized in the U. S.? 82% Say Yes 18% Say No

[bonnie]

I vote yes,If they legalize gay marriage I cannot see any reason why not?

Should polygamy be legalized in the United States?

82% Say Yes

18% Say No

If people believe polygamy should be illegal then nongamists should believe monogamy should be illegal. How come your rights are more important than someone with different views? People with these views are the same as people who discriminated against race/ethnicity/homosexuals throughout history. It's a human conflict that people should have outgrown already. Closed mindedness is the reason progress is hindered.

Posted by: Anonymous

Love is limitless!

Just like the title said, Love IS limitless! You shouldn't put any strict on who's in love with who! I don't care about religious purposes, 'cause it's only a book, and it may or may not be true to what their "God" says! If the group that wants to get married all together, knows each other, and knows that they can support to each other, and work together as one HUGE family, LET 'EM BE! Don't use crime cases as an excuse to outlaw it because of the people that didn't do anything good to the family, IT HAPPENS TO ANY KIND OF FAMILY! Not just a polygamy family, ANY KIND OF! Just think about it. Let's put a good nice gentleman between 2 sweet girls, and within the law that says that you can't marry more than one at a time, you're just ending up with a choice of making one happy, and the other sad and lonely! I DON'T WANT THAT! In fact, I HATE MAKING ONE DECISION OR THE OTHER! I HATE seeing one person or the other sad! I want everyone I know to be happy! BUT NO! THE LAW SAYS THAT YOU'RE FORCED TO BREAK SOMEONE'S HEART IF YOU HAVE A CHOICE OF 2 OR MORE! If I was to marry 2 or more wives, I'd be their servant! Let's treat everyone EQUALLY!

Posted by: Anonymous

Yes, it is human nature.

With most animals, including humans, it is natural to seek one than more mate for the purpose of a broader gene pool. Humans are nothing more than glorified animals. This being said, animal instinct is vital to our social construct. To deny polygamy will prompt infidelity. Besides, it is our natural right to do what gives us pleasure. If marrying multiple men and women garners pleasure to a specific individual, they should have the right to do so.

Posted by: Anonymous

It will lessen the burden on the social system.

In certain cultures Polygamy was honorable. Women who had lost their husbands to war or who were abandoned with children sought refuge in a polygamous marriage. It also lessened the burden on the social system. Less women and children needed the assistance of the social system because they remarried. The social system is now overburdened with families who cannot support themselves. If polygamy were passed as legal, I do believe rules and regulations must be implemented before it is approved. 1. The husband must be able to prove & provide equal support to all spouses. 2. There must be a minimum age limit and maximum limit of wives a man may marry. 3. Subsequent marriages cannot be granted without a signature from the first wife. 4. There must be a waiting period where all three people live together before they marry. If same sex marriage is approved in America, then polygamy should be legalized with proper provisions in place. The IRS may have to add an extra field in their forms - big deal. Insurance companies actually gain revenue. Polygamy was around eons before society deemed it immoral. Yes, there have been instances where polygamy was abused, but who has studied the families who are actually thriving? Personally, I have come to a point in my own marriage of 17 years where I would appreciate the help of another woman. I don't wish to have more children, but I would have no trouble caring for others. If my husband developed feelings for another woman, I would rather live in truth and know about it rather than him sneaking about. Polygamy lends support to the family as a unit. If I became terminally ill, it would be a great help to my husband and I to have a sister - wife. The burden would fall moreover on him to support us, but at the end it all equals out. It's a matter of managing ego and pride for the wives. With proper provisions set in place - why not legalize polygamy? Will it ruin or burden those who prefer a monogamous marriage? I rather doubt it.

Posted by: Anonymous1904

Polygamy is not abusive, it increases a family's support structure.

Adding a 3rd caregiver and supporting hand greatly eases the stress of raising kids. There are times in everyone's life when they realize they can't do it alone. Well, you should not have to. Sister wives with complementary skills and strengths make raising a family much less stressful. As long as everyone is a consenting adult and loving parent to all the children then it only increases the stability and strength of the family. All this talk of degrading women is crazy, unless you are talking about an abusive husband there is no danger of that, but abuse in a one-man, one-woman relationship is still an issue.

Posted by: Anonymous

It's not abusive, it increases a family's support structure

Adding a 3rd caregiver and supporting hand greatly eases the stress of raising kids. There are times in every ones lives when they realize they can't do it alone, well you should not have to. sister wives with complementing skills and strengths makes raising a family much less stressful. As long as everyone is a consenting adult and loving parent to all the children then it only increases the stability and strength of the family. All this talk of degrading women is crazy, unless you are talking about an abusive husband there is no danger of that, and then in a 1man 1moman relationship you still have the same issue there.

Posted by: Anonymous

It's ridiculous that it was ever illegal in the first place.

Relationships are strongest when bonded by trust, and trust is an area where monogamy falls short. The common arguments against polygamy are: it will complicate the legal process, alpha males will take more females thus creating an imbalance, it creates an unethical way of parenting, or the age old "it's unnatural" or "you can't love more than one person." Polygamy will complicate the legal process; there's no denying that. But to criminalize polygamy because people don't want their taxes and other things more complex is ridiculous for the simple reason that it will not affect you unless you engage in a polygamous marriage. If polygamy were to become legal, it doesn't mean everybody is suddenly going to become polygamous. Most people will continue with their monogamous marriages, and will be largely unaffected by any changed legal code. The thought that polygamy will create an imbalance in available female partners is not supported by any evidence whatsoever. Like previously stated, legalizing polygamy doesn't mean everyone will become polygamists overnight. Most people will continue to engage in monogamous relationships. This is solidly supported by various places where polygamy is legal, particularly in the Middle East. In Iran, where polygamy is legal, there isn't an imbalance in available females and the majority of people aren't even in polygamous marriages. Human societies have practiced polygamy for thousands of years, and this imbalance opponents speak of is not very realistic. Polygamous parenting is just as good, if not better, than monogamous parenting. A child can have multiple guardians and in the unfortunate scenario where one passes away, the child can still be effectively taken care of. If single parents can raise children, why not three, or four? Shouldn't that actually be better? Of course, this is assuming that the biological parents of a child will choose to raise their child in this method. The two biological parents of a child can choose to be involved in a polygamous marriage, but raise their children alone as a couple. That's the beautiful thing about polygamy. It opens doors and broadens the choices adults can make. It isn't true that polygamy is unnatural, or that people can't love more than one person. It's quite the opposite. Going through your entire life with affection towards one person and loving one person only is unnatural. It's common to be in a relationship and love your partner wholeheartedly, and still be able to develop feelings for another person. Polygamy allows a person to go a step further and be with the other people these feelings develop towards. Most people don't experience this because monogamy is so entrenched in society that the person developing feelings for more than one person works so hard repressing them. In the end, it can be stated simply: if you don't want a polygamous marriage, then don't be in a polygamous marriage! Legalizing it will not force anybody to become a polygamist, and in fact, most people won't.

Posted by: Anonymous

Why not?

If we make the definition of "marriage" arbitrary, then there is no logic in favoring one definition over another. Traditionally, marriage has been the lawful union of one man and one woman. It seems now that one can define it as one man and one woman, one woman and one woman or one man and one man. That is, marriage is defined as whatever one wishes. Surely someone who defines it as the union of 2 women could not have an objection to the person who might define it as the union of one or more women and one or more men. In a "reductio ad adsurdum" sense, why would one even wish to limit the participants in the union to people? I say, bring it on !

Posted by: Anonymous

African American Dilemma!

Through much of my studies, I have found that the traditional African polygamous marriages are the most successful when unadulterated. The traditional African polygamous marriage is the very least corrupted when performed with the community and family backing. Most of the corruption appears to be around the European form of polygamy which seeks to control their women and place them in a subservient role instead of them being equal partners. Many other groups fail in their attempt of a polygamous marriage when using the European method. Many African Americans have been very successful when using the African Traditional methods. Homes are financially stable, children well taken care of, wives are able to fulfill their careers as well as be a good mother to their children. The biggest problem seems to be getting over jealousy. When it is achieved, the family flourishes. I have not seen one case where African Americans have been successful when using the European method.

Posted by: Anonymous

How do we legalize gay marriage but not polygamy?

In the western society many men who are married to only one wife usually have extramarital affairs. Thus a survey was published in the USA Today (April 4, 1988; Section D) which asked 4700 mistresses, what would they like their status to be (mistress or second wife). They said, "I prefer being a second wife rather than the other woman". The reasons for this are that they didn’t have any legal rights, nor did they have the financial equality of the legally married wives and it appeared that these men were using them.

Posted by: Anonymous

If gay marriage is legal

As I see it this is as much a civil rights issue as is gay marriage. Consenting adults who participate in such a union should enjoy all the legal benefits of marriage. Having it otherwise is discrimination against people who are naturally inclined/chose to doing something that has no negative effect on others and which preventing has no positive effect on society- the only 2 basis on which any laws should stand. Saying marriage is a sacred institution that should involve only two people is as stupid as saying marriage is a sacred institution that should involve only a man and a woman.

Posted by: jingobob

Yes, the is no valid reason not to

If any group of consenting people wish to cohabitate and combine fiduciary rights and responsibilities there is no good reason to not to permit them. Contracts make society more accountable and stable. Those who assert that these forms of relationship should be illegal have the burden of proof to show that: 1. Policing the social structures of consenting adults furthers a legitimate government responsibility and 2. Demonstrate that such a law is not a clear violation of the 1st Amendment's protection of religious freedom and right of association and\or the 14th amendment's equal protection clause.

Posted by: Tug_Rexwell

Polygamy should be legalized

The legalization of equality of marriage should be open and available to anyone of consenting age, sound mind and body, whether it is marrying someone of the opposite sex, the same sex or more than one partner. It was practiced as common place once before and should now be reinstated as a viable option for grown men and women of age. Millions of people live in polygamous marriages and are quite happy and healthy. In this day and age, those with reason and higher understanding should make room for such marriages. Not those of closed minds.

Posted by: WolfFather

Polyamory

I understand making polygamy illegal if the other wives dont know but what about in the case of Polyamory. I'm in a polyamorous relationship. My boyfriend has another girlfriend. Me and her know about each other and are consenting adults. We both love him and both want to be with him and both and okay with the other being there. We both want his children and want to live together, all three of us. But under the law we cant legally be together. If he were to marry just one off us the other could get her kids taken because its not a "good environment". Its unfair. He is in love with both of us equally. Love not lust, LOVE. Me and her are Bisexual so we have the capability to love women and men equally and at the same time. If we three Love each other and want to be with each other for the rest of our days why is it a bad thing? Grown consenting adults should be able to marry other grown consenting adults. It has been practiced in many religions, not just Mormonism. Both us girls are Wiccan and in some Wiccan practices in the days before Christianity accepted poly-fidelity. It was socially and religiously acceptable up until governments decided it wasn't. When the US made the law in the 1800's they claimed it wasn't socially acceptable, but until they said that it was. Some other religions didn't like it but in the land of freedom of religion that doesn't matter, they don't have to like what others not in there religion do because we are free to believe what we want. I understand it being illegal for minors and for non-consenting adults (people who dont know about the others) but why not for open, knowledgeable, consenting adults. People have the ability to love more than one person. For those who claim that to love two people is just lust and your not serious, well my relationship isn't built on lust. We do have sex sometimes but its not about being able to screw two girls. We want this for us. It has nothing to do with everyone else so why shouldn't we get to make that choice. He is tied to the US by family otherwise I would say "[censored] this" and move to somewhere that allows for our love. If you marry in a country where its legal you can be recognized as together in the UK. Because of these laws the three of us are prevented our happiness. Some land of the free this turned out to be...

Posted by: TaraLynn

I believe it should be

Polygamy is not harming society. Freedom is looked up to in the United States. I don't think we should base personal opinion on other people's happiness. Everyone has the right to make their own decisions. Let it be because we let gay/lesbian marriage be. What if roles were reversed and monogamy was frowned upon.

Posted by: Anonymous

Among consenting adults yes.

Legalizing polygamy among adults would naturally remove the current association polygamy has of underage, secret cults where abuse and tyranny seem to thrive. If we think about those who do disobey the law it would stand to reason that other types of illegal behaviors may be practiced. However, if brought out into full and plain view of society among fully consenting adults, polygamy could be like most any marriage out there, half successful and half ending up not working out. If founded in love and cooperation, I do not see how making a polygamist relationship work would be all that different - with the notable exception being jealousy needing to be kept under control. Perhaps an age requirement of 25 or so for a second spouse would be appropriate. Government should not have a say over moral issues among consenting adults in matters of love, family, and relationship - let alone religious matters.

Posted by: Anonymous

It is only Natural

YES POLYGAMY SHOULD BE LEGALIZED (or at least legally decriminalized). Ok, I have been in a poly relationship for a few years now. in the beginning it was strickly kept secret. I have a legal wife, a "baby Mamma" ( I hate that term), and a third wife who is barren and can not have children. We all live in the same community. We all collectively pay our bills , which means we collectivelly keep a lot more money. I have suggested that we all live in the same house, but they feel like it will create problems. Its the public image.They are afraid that we will be the gossip of the small town if we all live in the same house. Did i leave my children or their mothers ? No , i did not. And what about my wife that can not have children? Should I leave her just because I want a child? No! I will not. I say that poly builds families, monogamy destroys families. When the truth is that in this society it is acceptible to have a wife and two or three mistresses, it should be acceptible to have two and three wives! give them the same right that the first wife has.It only destroys a family when a man (who by nature is poygamous) has to sneak around. It is not the extra relationship that hurt a woman , it's the having to lie about it. Suppose I die tonight (God forbid)! will my family have to fight over my property like dogs because the law won't recognize their individual rights to what we all worked hard to gain? I think it is sick that because a few vocal members of the minority speak out the fabric of the family has to suffer. especially whe those who do all the talking clame to seak from what they claim are traditional Biblical values. If the God of the Bible did not aprove of polygamy he would have out lawed it. But God did not , he ordained laws to regulate it. Why can't those who boldly claim to seak for God simply guide and regulate mans Law to Simply Allow what God has already ordained. It is not the right of the government to tell me who I can love. They have no right to peep into my bed room, or monitor my sexual activities. To be honest , The Government cant even run itself anymore! The Reps fight the Dems and as a result the civil liberties of the voters get crushed by the people charged with representing us. Any politician who refuses to recognize my family does not deserve my vote, nor yours.

Posted by: Anonymous

Why not Polygamy?

No forced marriages or incest. But for the consenting adults who come into this relationship for love, yes I think it should be legalized. I'm not in a marriage of any kind right now. I was married in the past, and would have never thought about this way of life as an option. I recently attained an appetite for the truth. I been researching many things and stumbled upon this way of life. I could be very happy in a plural marriage. It should be an acceptable way of life.

Posted by: Anonymous

Fear?

The reasons stated against are either Christian based or abuse based, both which are false leaders. In all of the Bible, there are cases of multiple partners within marriage. Each abuse based story could happen regardless if plural marriage or monogamous marriage. Marriage is a choice, the size and make-up of which should be up to those within the relationship, not up to less than a third of people polled.

Posted by: Anonymous

There's no God involved

In the United States there is a seperation between church and state. Just because a Christian thinks it is wrong does not make it truly wrong. Atheists can get married as well as the mentally unstble so why can't people who desire to have multiple spouses be aloowed to do so?

Posted by: Anonymous

Polygamy takes a lot of love and strength to do

I think it should be legalize for the adults. No forced marriages or incest. But for the consenting adults who come into this relationship for love, not sex or anything. It's the same as monogamous relationships it's just doubled. It's not harming anyone, why not let them live their lives! I don't believe you should have 16 wives or anything, but 3 or 4 is a perfect number. Also, humans were born for polygamy. Thats why many men cheat on their wives. I'd rather be in a committed relationship with my husband and him having sex with my sister wife than him having random hook up and accidently bringing home an STD or something! I did some research and i think the pros definitely out weigh the cons! I mean to live with woman whom you share the love for the same guy, you'd trust your life and your kids lives with these woman because their like mothers to your children and if something ever happened to me I know the sister wives/ best friend would step in and help.. I love the kind of trust you need for these kind of relationships. I also love how the different woman bring different things to the table. Like one woman could be great a cooking who could teach the others. Maybe one is great at making people laugh in times that its needed. It just sounds amazing. A girl whom would become your best friend to share the ups and downs of life with. I love the idea of a big family too. I like the support through the good and bad this relationship comes with and i know this is the kind of life i want. When I imagine this lifestyle for me, I think of me and sister wife preparing dinner while kids run and scream and play around us, husband gets home from work and we sit at the table to eat together. I see me and sister wife taking our kids to fun places together and teaching them the values we hold dear. I see our husband going to bed with sister wife while i stay up late and play on the computer since it is not my night. Thankfully, I'm not a jealous person. So I think that'll help some things! I see having 4 hands, 4 eyes, and 2 hearts caring for and watching after all our children and that's just the mothers! 6 hands, 6 eyes, and 3 hearts full of love for the children and each other. While we enjoy the good times together and hold each other up through the tough times. No relationship is easy, but nothing worth while comes easy! Don't get me wrong. There will be jealousy, but there is jealousy in every relationship. Even Monogamous. It's a natural human emotion. You work through it and get passed it. You can't look at it as losing your husband but as gaining a woman who you'd share your life, secrets, kids, everything with!

Posted by: Anonymous

I believe it should be legal

Just for the sole fact that people should have their choice of religion, culture, and relationships. I was not born into Polygamy. I have just been studying the subject and think it is very interesting and think everyone has a right to freedom of religion, culture, and relationships My Husband can have another wife if he would like.

Posted by: Anonymous

It's bigoted to not allow people to marry as they were born to.

Some people are born poly. It is their natural state. Societal bigotry, ignorance, and prejudice has caused polys to hide in fear of being arrested and scorned. This must end. It's almost 2013. Now that same sex is moving along, legalizing polygamy must be the next frontier. The fact that so many people end up in multiple concurrent relationships is evidence that it is natural.

Posted by: Anonymous

Should polygamy be legalized in the United States?

I truly think that it should. If you look at not just the bible, but the fact that there are more women then men, it makes sense. Also think of it this way, what happens if you and your wife have been together a long time before you ever think of sex, and then some time long after your married; you begin to talk about wanting a family. She breaks the news to you that she can not have children. I know that many would say find a way to adopt, or someone who would carry the child for you and your wife, oh wait how could the person carry a child for you if your wife can not mother children? When you look at adoption, what happens if you do not qualify for some reason or another, you will have spent all that money for nothing. If you allow concenting adults to be in the same house together, and they are allowed to merry then who is it really hurting, the people of society or you? Think about it like this, back in the days of Rome, and the Spartans, they use to have orgies all the time, and it was acceptable. Society is always changing, so what is to say that it will not be legalized one of these days in the future? For those who are against it, I have this to say; a few people by the names of Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton fought the British to gain our freedom, and now we are going to say that people can not have multiple spouses and violate other peoples rights of choice and freedom? Who the hell are we to say that it is right or wrong? We are always saying that things need to change, so why not start with this? Also todays cost of living requires that a couple need to work two full time jobs, just as a way to make very little head way, and if you should have a family what kind of life would that be for your kids, to not have their mother and father in the house?

Posted by: Anonymous

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It is honest

People are hiding from what they do. If it was legal, they would come out of their shadows, they would not be afraid to hide. While some think of polygamy is degrading and abusive, we only see that side from the news or what we see in other media sources. If they were able to come out of hiding, they would be able to show us, the public, that they were normal families, functioning just like the rest of us do.

Posted by: Anonymous

not all polygamy is cultish

if it is mutual and non harmful then it should be able to be allowed. It is not for all but it is not morally or even Biblically incorrect The communication needs to be constant and the understanding of equality as well. It is not degrading, only if it is a cult status

Posted by: Anonymous

It makes sense.

From many standpoints legalizing polygamy makes sense. To start with, it is not morally wrong, but it is not for everyone. If you do not feel the pull, then you would not be obligated. But for many people who love more than one person and if they can all openly navigate the relationship, then as consenting adults, it should be their right to join as a legal family. To those who say it is morally wrong, that is a religious belief and is used for gay marriage too and is wrong headed. For one thing the Bible includes polygamy. For another thing, not everyone is Christian and feels compelled to follow it. Removing that obstacle and most arguments fall apart. As for those who think they know how it affects kids from the very few high profile cases, I would say you are not informed and need to wait until you know something or someone personally before you start passing judgement. It makes socio-economic sense in that allows there to be more adults under one roof to bring in funds and care for children, giving added stability. Monogamous marriage does not add stability, witness the divorce rate. It is not abusive to women, I would welcome a sister wife and my husband would be fine with a co-husband. It is not just about men collecting women, as there are different possible family formations. Too many people are assuming it is just for loose people or so men can have lots of women. Folks, most men would just date, it takes a man of character to openly commit to more than one woman. So as long as it is all consenting adults, I would take part in such an arrangement and think it should be legal.

Posted by: liyironhawk

This is a case of civil rights.

The government has no right to stand between you and who you want to marry as long as it is between two consensual adults. Any debate against this logic involving a religious opinion is worthless. If your God is against it then don't do it but you have no right to demand the government block someone else from doing it either simply because it violates your religious ethics.

Posted by: DarkElfa

If it is consensual, what is the problem

I had to evolve on this issue the way President Obama had to evolve on gay marriage. If I'm in love with a man who is already married, I would rather become his second wife than be responsible for breaking up his marriage with the first wife. Besides, it's not banned in the bible and if it's between two or more consenting adults, government should mind its own business.

Posted by: christianleftist

Polygamy is not the issue

I hear people saying that polygamy is degrading to women, that it is against religion, that marriage is made between a man and a woman. What makes marriage degrading to women? Is it the number of sister wives? I say NO. You can see it every day, monogamist relationships that are degrading to women (or men in some cases) where one partner abuses the other. Therefore the number of women in marriage is irrelevant. Why is it against religion? What is religion? Is it Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Mormon, Scientology, or some other religion? I believe the question should be: Don't we have separation of church and state in this country? Have people forgotten the first amendment, which states that no law should be based on religious believes?Therefore basing laws on religious believes is irrelevant. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Ok, if you strongly believe this, then only marry one person, but don't force your other people to believe what you believe, remember that this is what has caused many wars, imposing one's believes is a dangerous and harmful thing to do. This is the same reasoning behind gay marriage. If you believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and not between 2 men or 2 women, then don't marry a person of the same sex. Or do you really thing that by allowing gay marriage you will become gay. As simple as that. Remember when being gay was evil, immoral, and illegal? Many gay men and women would have to hide their sexual preference during all their lives and live unhappy lives as married men and women. Living such a fake life would not only hurt them, but it will hurt their spouse and children by knowing that their parent and spouse was in love with someone else, and that it did not matter what they did, he or she will always be gay. This is the same thing you see happening with polygamists and bigamists, they are all around us. You see them fathering many children with different women either through a sequence of marriage and divorce, or simply by having romantic relationships without being formally married. This is my opinion is degrading to women and affects children because they rarely see their father. If the financial aspect of polygamy is what frightens you (provide benefits to all wives), then lets work something out. But I assure you that charging bigamists or polygamists with a felony is not the answer.

Posted by: jarodriguez14

Religion is an invalid argument

Polygamy is mentioned multiple times throughout the Bible and with no negative connotations to mirror it. Further more, think of the potential financial stability, rather than two incomes, there are three. The economy is tough right now, and while I don't suggest that polygamy is the answer to America's economic troubles, I do think in some cases it could be a solution if those involved are open minded and willing to make it work. Ultimately, 83% of the cultures around the world practice polygamy, just because we consider ourselves a "civilized society" we turn a stiff upper lip to it, when in reality in more cases than one, it is far more beneficial than a monogamist relationship.

Posted by: Anonymous

It is biblically correct

If you believe the whole bible, and not just parts of it, then you must condone the practice of polygamy as approved by God. In my own opinion, people are free to marry whomever they wish and shouldn't be held down by the dictates of a merely hundred year old law put in place by people who had very little understanding of what was morally correct.

Posted by: jmclarke82

It's the same as gay marrage

People should have the right to be happy and marry whoever they want. If a guy wants to get married to two other women and both women agree to it then I don't see where the problem is. We are in the 21 century. It's simple--if you are against polygamy, you are against equality and against freedom. And if you think it's abusive to women then you don't understand that it doesn't matter if someone is married to one person or 20. It's illegal to abuse people and if someone is abused they need to get help.

Posted by: imnotsayingimjustsaying

Freedom to LIVE..!!

Most arguments on the "no" side assumes women don't have a say...that they are abused and neglected and treated poorly. That couldn't be FURTHER from the truth...we're talking about CONSENSUAL poly relationships here, not "forced" marriages. All of the women I know ENJOY and APPRECIATE multiple partners, and have close rewarding relationships with the other women too, some even as an intimate spouse. None of these plural families are "forced" into anything...each member of the union has their own voice and an equal say. I'm in a FMF poly triad and we all equally love and respect each other...we're all deeply in love and couldn't be any happier!

Posted by: JTK_Forever

It works for many of us

I ended up with my second wife at around the age of fifty (both of them are the same age) quite by accident. All of the children were grown, educated, and self supporting. My wife had asked a friend who was single to stay with us while she was ill and one thing led to another. This was twenty four years ago and yes the three of us lived in the same home for all these years and rarely had a quarrel. Both are in nursing homes now and I miss them terribly. The three of us are educated and had professional positions untill we all had retired. I just do not see your argument against this arrangement. It has served us well for all these years.

Posted by: Anonymous

Yes it should.

It's in the Bible. and I feel like people should be able to have as many spouses as they want, they do it anyway, they're just not married. It would help a lot of single mothers out and be a benefit to both the parents and the children. They would be able to have three parents instead of one or two to help them with school work or advice.

Posted by: Anonymous

Agreed.

I know I love two people. I know the two people love me. I don't think any financial status or religion should play a role in legalizing this "behavior" or idea. I don't have a particular religion I adhere to nor follow. I do have a basic acceptance of some higher entity, but at the same time believe in science, where death is just THE END (this is another idea I shouldn't go in depth with). Anyway, people say it's immoral...but based on what background/religion are we speaking from? I agree with that if Polygamy is legalized, some people would bring out ridiculous notions of, for example, different species marriages...but we know that that's messed up? WHY? b/c we should think marriages should be between adult humans. They can reason, they have their own individual rights, and can make their own decisions. If one woman and two men decide to get married, well, let them, as they all consented. If one man marries two women, let them, as they, too, had consented. Being married is not always forever--if it doesn't work out, then hey the polygamous life-style wasn't meant to be with the one opting out. If America is what it's supposed to known to be, let the Americans do, in my opinion, what they naturally do. Equal rights for all, no matter what relationship you have. If the law states one woman for one man marriage, then you should be able to have another marriage, which is another set of one man and one woman. Dual citizenship...CDL license, car license, motorcycle license...Dual Marriage? Why not?...one person can still get them? soon, it will come. I vote YES. For the NO people, providing better reasons than "morality"--what's moral to me is not moral to you, "not fair"--who says? the two wives agreed with it, "institution of marriage"--based on who? your definition? your life?; my idea of marriage is being happy with the one(s) I love, creating children with them, and growing old with them...happily!

Posted by: Anonymous

I am in a Poly Relationship

Those of us who are in a Polygyny relationship where we are three in a family, in my case, FMF, would like to be considered as equals in the relationship. The legal wife has the right to call herself his wife, I on the other hand do not. It is painful; I wish to be his legal wife and he wishes to be my legal husband, it is in our hearts and we can't make it legal. It has nothing to do with money, assets, etc... People should approve of it as people having love for more than one person and wanted to be in a committed relationship with those people. We have children, we raise our families, pay our bills, etc... just like everyone else. Support Love!!

Posted by: Anonymous

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Freedom to express one's desires to live how he or she wishes

First off, polygamy is in NO WAY similar to incest or gay marriage, so I don't know why everyone puts them in the same category. I have a wife now that is insanely amazing, and although she doesn't agree with having more than one wife, more than one of her would make my life a true blessing. Although marriage in the US is defined as between one man and one woman, nowhere does it prohibit having more than one marriage. Even at the state level it is not prohibited, they just simply will not issue you a new license unless the last one is void. As for child abuse cases --- for every 1 you can show me involving polygamy I could show you 100 involving monogamy, same with spousal abuse, etc. Also, of course men will get neglected in a place like the small communities down south because we (referring to the US) have forced them into small confines where there is a very limited number of resources. Polygamy legalized nation-wide would not run in to these sorts of issues. Don't even start with the polygamy cases in the Bible, because not only is it supported fully, God gave commandments on specific persons you could not marry into a polygamous relationship (why would he give those unless he supported the practice in the first place). Also, please somebody tell me how God can have multiple billions of children with one woman.....that woman needs a break! Anyways, we could go on forever, but I don't want people reading a novel. Ultimately it should be a person's choice to live how he or she wishes so long as that way of living is not directly affecting another's. (And there's no way you can say me having 2 wives affects your life).

Posted by: jonathan.plumb

Be objective, look for clues. Nature and our behavior will tell you the truth.

All the evidence in nature, in the Bible, in many countries, indicate that men need more than one woman. If that is not the truth, why do all men wish to have more than one wife or partner? Why are men able to separate emotions from sexual intimacy and most women are not?

Posted by: Anonymous

Freedom of belief

If you go by the bible it would be wrong, but the laws in the United States go by justice and what is right. If gay marriage is allowed, then if both partners agree to it, then why shouldn't multiple marriages at the same time be allowed. You shouldn't just allow one but not the other, it is a believe that is shared and probably would even be good for kids as well, where in a three way marriage two could be working and one would be at home to take care of the children. It could have many pros and the only con would be that it is morally wrong according to the bible. The symbol of justice in America is represented by a woman with a scale which is blind folded. This symbol means that justice is blind, not looking at the color, believe, religion, (a believe is different then a religion) or heritage of a person. And because of the freedom of believe and religion, it should be legalized.

Posted by: Anonymous

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consenting adults

What an adult does in their personal life is there business. If three or more people wish to enter into a marriage with one another, the government has no right to tell them that they cannot. As long as the people getting married are consenting adults, there is no reason to fear legalization of polygamy.

Posted by: Anonymous

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If I can love two children, why I cannot love two wives?

If you have one kid, your entire energy, love, attention and time is spent on him/her. But, nobody thinks in a complete negative way to have an additional kid based on the division of love. The love for sure is natural. It could go to the first kid or the other. All depends on the relationship with the kid. But in most cases, both the kids are being loved almost equally. It is just a little difference some times. This is the same exact case of polygamous relationship. I believe, in an environment when you can have open relationship with as many girls as possible, it is hundred percent wrong not to allow this under the banner of marriage. How come the relationship with responsibility (a marriage) is banned, and the same relationship without a responsibility (girlfriendship) is allowed. It is dual nature. Hypocrisy from top to bottom.

Posted by: khurlap

If a family wants to live polygamously, it should be their choice.

If we respect all religions and cultures, than we should respect polygamy also. If a man wants to have more than one wife and the women are in agreement than that should be their choice. If we support same-sex marriage we should support marriage to more than one person at the same time, if the families are happy.

Posted by: Ci3nInvader

Yes polygamy should be legalized

Consenting adults should be allowed to marry who ever they want (man, woman, 2 men, 3 women etc.). We have a separation of church and state for a reason. I am a Christian BUT for the purpose of this discussion this is is a legal topic not a religious one. I definitely don't want our government to dictate to us what is morally right or wrong, stay out of our bedrooms.

Posted by: Anonymous

What's good for the goose...

A large gender imbalance. Marriage is a religious act. All monotheistic Religion supports polygamy. Polygamy establishes social justice between men and women wherein women will have someone to support them. Those that do not like it don't have to marry more than one. If gays have freedom, why not allow polygamist to have that same freedom?

Posted by: Anonymous

Based On Religious Freedom, It Should Be Required

While I do not agree that there must be only one spouse or many, even for a polygamist which by nature can choose either, I do not think that we should disallow it simply because it is allowed in many religions. Any morality issues some may have is a moot point since it is a relative interpretation of their beliefs. Most of the world's religions allow for it including the three main world religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Not all interpretations allow for it, but let the individual make the right choice for them and tolerate the decisions of others. For those that argue that it damages marriages, there are currently at least twice as many women on the planet as men so this allows a way to cut down on adultery. I would also show that those that argue that it creates hardships on family are in error as well, as the division of household labor is more manageable and all families have problems. Also, polygyny is one man with multiple wives, and polyandry is one woman with multiple husbands, so gender inequality is impossible if you allow both. Any arguments to the contrary are based in Puritanical Christianity and are anti-American since the first amendment guarantees free speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. This is a purely American concept in origin, and should be treated with reverence. Regulate it yes, but do not ban it. America is at it's strongest when all of it's citizens unite in tolerance of each other. United we stand, divided we fall.

Posted by: Anonymous

Any Adult Should Be Able to Marry Any Consenting Adults

We have laws against child abuse and domestic violence, and we should keep and enforce those. Polygamy would allow a man to marry multiple women and/or men, and would allow a woman to marry multiple men and/or women. Don't force your morality on others. If you won't want to be polygamous, you don't have to. Let others have the choice to consent to that. The logistics would mostly be easy to work out, but all civil rights changes have involved a little work. Think of the Americans With Disabilities Act. People who already have the right to marry the person they love might not feel motivate to change, but what about those denied their fundamental right to marry the persons they love?

Posted by: Anonymous

Polygamy should be legalized!

Polygamy should be legalized in the united states. We open our boarders to many different cultures who come from areas where plural marriages are accepted. So, we are going to deny them the rights to practice those practices? We claim to be?" The land of the free.", but we deny immigrants and Americans to freely practice plural marriages openly. additionally, in the old testament- how many religious figures had multiple wives, concubines, and mistresses? The same goes for the new testament, some figures had multiple relationships actively. Many foreign religions practice plural marriages openly. When they come to our country, we expect them to stop observing their practices? That's like going to war in a foreign country and expected not to shoot or carry a firearm. Now again not to make this a religious arguement, but it does play a minimal issue in the arguement. Now, let us talk about the economical aspect of this arguement. We have many municipalities that cannot deal with a uprise in housing being built. So they have to expand into our much needed farmlands in order to accomithate the growth. Imagine having to give up your family farm or your prime land to allow the government to build housing. You cannot stop it! The government wants, they take it, regardless how important it is to your livelyhood. Imagine the advantages of a plural family home, the finacial stability, the open-ness of family values being instilled to the children, the strainlessness of the community to have to build more housing to accomithate growth. I feel that if the government can take my land and various other "freedom?" From me, why should I not be allowed to have more than 1 spouse? furthermore, by allowing plural marriages, there would be a decline in divorces, extra-marital affairs, and fatherless children. Television, news media, ministers, and the government want plural marriages seen as an abomination and sin. They would rather allow same sex marriages, a great sin, than allow a person to have more than 1 spouse. My bedroom and marriage should be my choice. I should not be

Posted by: Anonymous

Wrong

Polygamy should not be legalized anywhere. Marriage involves two people, not several. It is a sacred commitment meant for those in love, not those in lust. It is considered wrong for a reason, and if people want to have several sexual partners, they can outside of marriage. It shouldnt be legalized, nor should it be accepted.

Posted by: Anonymous

No, it really shouldn't.

Polygamy is an exploration experience, in my opinion. People who practice polygamy, only do it to get sexual pleasure out of it. It's one of those things that are for fun, not to be taken to something as serious as marriage. If someone really does love another person, they wouldn't want to be with anyone else, but them. Having other people that you supposedly "love" goes to show you obviously don't fully love either of them. And when you think about it, if one of the spouses died, the others could just get together, showing that love isn't really expressed in the relationship because they replaced that person quickly. Rather than feeling sadness because that person they said they loved died. Allowing polygamy in marriage is a joke because those people are obviously very immature and clearly don't know what love is. People who practice polygamy really only do it for sexual exploration, not because they are in love with more than one person. As for kids, that's even worse. Any sane person would want their spouse to only have children with them. My opinion here has nothing to do with the Bible because really, it's vague on the whole topic and if God was real he would have been more specific on whether it should or should not be practiced. Stop thinking in terms of a book and think with your mind. The past does not matter because people experimented with polygamy because they didn't know any better. We've evolved enough to see that marriage is for two people who really love each other.

Posted by: MaddietheOpinionated

It's degrading and abusive to women.

Think if you were a woman that lived happily with a man.Then you got uterine cancer and no longer bear children. Above all the hurt your husband will tell you that he needs another woman cause you can no longer provide children. In case of divorce you'd walk away with your dignity. But condoning this practice it's like telling abused women that if a husband is no longer pleased with you, for whatever reason, he has the right to another woman. Your only say in this is leaving. Polygamy that is not accepted by the law is like not accepting abuse. It's not marriage unless partners have equal rights in my own opinion and in this case these rights are infringed. And it's degrading to women because it gives a sense of entitlement over them. If they sleep with another man it's cheating but if he sleeps with any of them it's polygamy.

Posted by: Anonymous

I do not believe that polygamy should be legalized in the United States, because this would sanction the practice.

Although polygamy is a practice that has been romanticized on recent television programs, I do not believe that the popular fascination with it should extend to legalization. I think that polygamy is a misogynist practice that lends itself to the abuse of small children and women. Polygamist leaders are notorious for cases of abuse.

Posted by: R Bowen

I oppose polygamy, because marriage is made for one man and one woman to be united into one unbreakable union, and one flesh.

I am a very spiritual person, and I believe that God meant for marriage to be between a woman and man, to be united and never broken. Marrying more than one woman or man means that you have lusted over another being, aside from your first spouse, which is indicated as adultery in the Bible.

Posted by: IncredibleDenis39

I do not agree with being married to more than one person at a time.

You should only be married to one person at a time. Having more than one spouse (usually more than one wife) is not fair to the women in the relationship, I feel. I am sure the men enjoy it very much but the way it should be is one on one.

Posted by: 5h4rkEmar

I oppose polygamy because it seems to have a negative effect on children of these families.

I have watched a couple of documentaries on television that show the behind the scenes life of these families. As I watch these shows all I can see is how the kids seem to have a hard time explaining why their families are the way they are. It just does not seem right that the kids need to be subjected to this type of life.

Posted by: Ch3IGod

I oppose the notion of polygamy being legalized because it is morally wrong.

I am against legalizing polygamy in the United States because the act itself goes against the moral fabric of the country. Whether it's a man and a woman, or two people of the same sex committed to each other, that is what marriage is -- love of two. It is immoral to expand that concept to include a person with many spouses.

Posted by: SAugustus

No, I do not think that polygamy should be legalized, because it is immoral.

The Bible teaches that one man and woman should live together for their lifetime. By legalizing polygamy, you are contradicting everything that the Bible teaches. By legalizing polygamy, you are teaching the future generations that marriage to one person really does not matter, and that sexual relations with numerous partners is OK. What happened to commitment to one person for the rest of your life? I think it would also create confusion for the children that grow up in those families.

Posted by: babydollxix

No, because polygamy would be a logistical nightmare in many aspects, including taxes and health care.

What kind of tax form would one fill out with multiple spouses? What kind of extra tax breaks would they receive? How much extra would it cost health insurance companies to cover multiple spouses? I do believe that humans are monogamous at heart, even though it's not often practiced. Those beliefs are also not based on religious foundation either. If polygamy was legalized, it would have to be consenting polygamy and that would be very hard to prove, as we have already seen in Utah.

Posted by: BrianDj

No, I disagree that polygamy should be legalized; it goes against the institution of marriage and the meaning behind it.

The definition of marriage set forth clearly by God in the bible is that you are to be the husband of one wife (not many). That is where my belief system comes from and my opinions are based.

Posted by: Brace face

[Gerr]

Sounds like a good idea. I could get a younger wife from a third world country to take care of me and my wife in our old age.