Polygamy

This is an interesting one. For the most part, I don’t think it would work for me (I can’t imagine having TWO wives nagging at me). On the other hand, if s group of 3 or more people want to be “married” I think they should be allowed to. I don’t think it will affect children as much as you think.

I think that, as long as the adults involved are acting as responsible parents, then the children will be fine.

But, don’t you see? It’s just like gay marriage. If we allow two (or more) consenting adults to do whatever they want in their relationships with each other, it won’t be long before people will be allowed to marry their dogs…. (I don’t follow the logic on that one, but that’s always the way that argument ends with people who are afraid of things being any different from what they expect them to be)

Oh I agree, just playing devil’s advocate.

But the real question is, how can someone be arrested or prosecuted for it?

The illegality shows up when everyone makes it official that each relationship is a wedding. If his other two wives were never married officially, then it’s not really polygamy!

Is it real polygamy if the other weddings aren’t legal? I think without the papers, its some dude with an open marriage. a VERY open marriage!

There used to be laws on the books prosecuting adultery and sodomy (usually defined as anything penetrative except penile vaginal penetration). That’s the only thing I could think of unless there are laws particular to a certain state that were crafted to allow prosecution of folks trying to have polygamous ‘marriages’ as you have described.

So maybe they have it wrong on the show. I’m pretty sure you couldn’t even get legally married to another person (in that state at least) if you are already married to someone else, it would be in your records. So the polygamy of a bunch of people cohabiting and having commitment ceremonies, which in reality is what most of them are, isn’t technically illegal.

I’d love to address this with the writers or producers (ie. Tom Hanks I think) about this glitch and have them explain it to me.

I’ve heard of stories where guys had a few wives but the wives never knew of each other. I can’t remember how it was pulled off though, perhaps fake names or something.

As far as polygamy, I don’t care what ADULTS do, its when you start hearing stories of 14 or 15 year old brides that I have problem.

B took my point already. I have a problem with the underage child brides or the ‘arranged’ marriages. If two or more people want to live together as a family and raise their children together, who am I to judge as long as the kids are well adjusted, well cared for, loved and educated. From what I have seen on the news and in news stories, these ‘families’ provide well and usually are average middle income households.

I’d much rather see more of this than single parent households with no role models, drugs or violence.(NOT that all single parent homes are like this!!)

Thanks for the legal perspective :mrfab:

Yeah I’ve heard of that too, I think that’s when it’s in different states or something maybe it’s easier to get away with it.

I’m totally not even touching the young bride aspect, that’s something else entirely. I’m talking about consenting adults.

Yeah, seriously not touching the young bride thing, just adults. I agree with what you have said though.

I know people who are in poly-type relationships and honestly, I don’t get it. There is too much risk of jealousy and petty fighting between everyone involved. But whatever, its their choice. I will say though that I strongly disagree with the relationships where its one man and many women. He keeps getting new partners while the women are expected to be faithful only to him? Right.

I’m more curious how the guy handles all the different women, 2 people in a relationship is hard enough. I too feel I could never do it more so for the fact that if he can have more than one partner I should do, that’s bullshit. But really, the main issue is I have trouble living with one more nevermind multiple.

Based on the info you’re giving us – I’ve never seen the show – it’s not polygamy, it’s polyamory. There’s a difference. Polygamy would require that there be actual legal documents that show intent of two marriages. A backyard ceremony without a marriage liense doesn’t make for a legal marriage, thus there’s really no legal grounds for cops to get involved.

I’ve chatted with/read the blogs of people in poly relationships, and as long as all involved are aware of each other and ok with things, then there hasn’t been a problem. One couple has had holiday dinners with both her live-in boyfriend, her other boyfriend, and the girlfriend of her live-in boyfriend. In fact, the only complaint that one of the woman has is that she usually ends up seeing movies twice, once with each boyfriend.

Somehow I knew you’d have a real solid answer to this, thank you. I personally think most of the people that want to believe it’s illegal just have a real personal issue with it so they choose to ignore the facts.

All I can think of is there must be some funky law on the books in Utah. I need a sister wife who likes to clean.

It really does boil down to people not having open minds about what other people might want from a relationship. What happens between a couple, or between 3 (or 4, or 5) people is between no one but those people. If you’re not into [insert whatever "deviant" behavior is up for discussion], fine, but that’s no reason to prevent others from doing it (also a good argument for gay marriage!). Not to mention that no one is forcing anyone to do anything (excepting the cases of polygamist camps and child brides).

The way I see it, if it’s not hurting themselves and it’s not hurting anyone else, then leave them the hell alone.

I believe that in order to BREAK a law, a condition must be in place to do so, i.e. a “marriage” not LEGALLY recognized by the enforcing government is not considered a condition of marriage (as recognized by that government) and therefore cannot be prosecuted as a crime in what ever form it takes or however many times it occurs. Whew. Oh, and marry your dog! The investment/return ratio is much better! :devil:

Well you know I’d be up for it. Especially if kevin is there. Can we all marry Kevin too?
:gwen:

I am good at laundry but you’ll need another sister wife who can do dishes.

Dogs smell too much :yuck:

Now you’re thinkin!