Polygamy
Should practicing polygamy be legal in the United States? Why or why not? What exactly is wrong with polygamy? Should it be protected by Freedom of Worship?
4freedoms
Freedom and Responsibility
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May 5th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I do not think that Polygamy should be legal under any curcumstances. Yes, I understand that it is peoples Freeom of Worship, but come on. Multiple marriages to young ladies of the ages of 13-15??? How could you not think that is the least bit wrong? And the fact that these men are ages 50-65 is terrifying. These men marry the young ladies and, not considering how the woman feels, impregnate them. These young woman could die from having a child at such a young age. Their bodies are too young and not fully developed to be having children this soon!
I am not fully sure if Polygamy should be protected by Freedom of Worship or not at this time; but from what I think of it so far, I am leaning more towards thinking it shouldn’t for the reasons above.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:55 am
The only circumstance that I think polygamy should be legal is when three or more CONSENTING adults petition to get married, and know the consequences and what might occur if people were to have more than one spouse.
Children=> old men equals a BIG NO!
May 5th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I honestly think that polygamy is very weird and unusual. Yes, it is part of their religion, but there are girls that are about our age that are being forced to marry someone that is 4 times their age. These girls should have the right to have a normal life.I don’t think that most of the girls in the church want to marry men who are way older then them, but the girls do not have a choice since women have no power in the group. Polygamy should be illegal in my opinion. I think that the only way that polygamy should become legal is if the women are not FORCED to marry. If they wish to marry someone that has multiple wives, then maybe is should become legal….
May 5th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Akari, I must say that I disagree with your last statement of “If they wish to marry someone that has multiple wives, then maybe is should become legal”. Regardless if they are agreeing to marry a man that is 55 at the age 14 or not, it is still very wrong.. it IS their own colony, and they do live by their own rules, but it is still against the laws of the COUNTRY they’re living in.
May 5th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Meh, I think Akari has many good points. I don’t think she is making an implication that young pubescent girls should marry men who are about to become senior citizens. I think she’s talking about consenting adults who have an understanding of what they’re getting into.
Also, I think Akari is talking about polygamy in general, not about the polygamy case down in TX…so technically we have two diffrent topics here.
Yes or no Akari???
May 5th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Alexis, keep in mind that polygamy isn’t only being practiced by people that are being forced into marriage. There are many upstanding families that are begun with the fact that more than two adults have feelings for each other, and are then joined together in matrimony.
My personal view is that if a man wants to have multiple wives, or if a woman wants to have multiple husbands, then by all means they should have that right. (This goes for homosexuals as well, in my view, but that’s another subject altogether…)
In the Eldorado situation, young women were being FORCED into marriage (and sex) by older men. This is not always the case. In fact, it’s very rare. Most of the time, there are no problems surrounding the relationships. In situations like these, however; the authorities should intervene, because regardless of religion or certain rights, no person should be allowed to harm another person.
Legalize.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
YES!! Sofi you are exactly right. (in my opinion)
You got at exactly what I was trying to get at.
And I think that polygamy to those who are consenting should be legalized.
I appreciate having someone who has the same views =)
May 5th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Yes, Erika thank you for making my point even more clear. Lexy, I agree to your opinion that it is wrong for girls that are in their early teenage girls to have a relationship with some man that is 57. Those girls should not be forced to marry them; they should have their own life. When I said this statement, “If they wish to marry someone that has multiple wives, then maybe is should become legal” I was not clear enough. Woman that are older and who wish to marry a man with multiple wives and do not care, and are very happy, maybe (thats underlined) it should be allowed. I mean even though it may seem digusting and wrong, it IS part of their religion. I’m not sure about what the minimum age should be, but not when they are teenagers. I oppose to having polygamy legal, but maybe under some circumstances it should be. Even if you do not want polygamy legal, I don’t really think there is much we can do about it because it will get very complicated with the law, constitution, etc….
May 5th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Oh, and Alexis, “it IS their own colony, and they do live by their own rules, but it is still against the laws of the COUNTRY they’re living in.” sounds a bit ignorant to me, especially since we’re debating on whether it should be LEGAL in the country they’re living in.
Please think it out before you say it.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Yes Sofi, you’re right. That was an ignorant statement to make. I noticed my mistake.
haha, i WILL think before I write from now on. (=
May 5th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I believe that there are two sides to this argument. On one hand I believe that polygamy should be protected by the first amendment. I think that any smaller law stating that polygamy is illegal is going against the constitution. Just because the majority of America disagrees with it doesn’t mean it should be outlawed. Freedom of worship is there to protect the Minority from the Majority. To protect the people from the government. Out lawing Polygamy is just another way the government is trying to limit every thing we do.
On the other hand I don’t agree that every religious practice should be protected. Any one could murder some one and defend themselves with “I had to it’s my religion. Religious believes still have to follow the rules of society. Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff points out that “We have a long line of cases saying that the institute of marriage is the bedrock of society. Therefore, states have a compelling interest in regulating and controlling marriage.” Maybe marriage is something society needs an should not be tampered with.
May 6th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Mary, I see your point.
Any religion that promotes the harming of a group of, or certain persons, or pushes people to do things that they are not comfortable doing is not just.
Good point.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:28 am
I personally believe that the practice of polygamy should not be protected by the First Amendment for some reasons. On the other hand though I feel that polygamy should be legal. I feel that what the people of this FLDS church are doing is having underage marriages, having way too many kids, and not practicing a “religion”. Their doing what they want to do. Obviously, this man that is marrying all of these girls isn’t in love with them, their just having sex and kids so the man can practice his “religion”. Even though I think that this should be illegal, I think that if a man wants to have 3 wifes that are over the age of 30 or 35 then they can make their own decisions, and know what their doing, and have their own opinion if it’s right or wrong.
May 6th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I think that polygamy should be legal because when you marry someone you marry them because you love them. If marry two people where is the love in that? Also when you marry most of the time you have kids and if you have two spouses and you have 4 children each your going to have to put them on you medical bill and since now you have 8 children you might not be able to pay it off. So now your family is put on medicare and the state as to raise taxes just so all those people how are on medicare can get there bills paid off!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I meant illegal
May 6th, 2008 at 10:34 am
AHH if polygamy needs to be protected by something in the Bill of Rights, then it should be protected by Freedom of Speech. It’s making a statement, and I think that if people desire to have more than one spouse and if all spouses are in agreement, then polygamy by all means should be legal.
I don’t think that this topic is based solely on what is happening down in TX. I think you who object to polygamy should think about the bigger picture. What if you wanted two spouses and they wanted two spouses? You want YOUR government to limit you on your own private love life???? I think not.
LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE;)
May 6th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Kaitlin, when you inquired about the whereabouts of the love in a polygamic relationship, you failed to take into acount the fact that all people don’t have the same views as you might. For every person that believes that it is possible to love only one person, there are a few people that believe that they are in love with each other.
There are also other reasons people get married.
What you’re saying is that if you love someone, you should marry them.
The thinking behind this statement is that when you declare your love for someone, your saying it is going to stay forever, so marriage should naturally follow since it cannot hinder this thinking but only solidify it.
Is this true?
Legalize.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
The whole love statement itself is not the best way to express how you feel.
I mean hey!! I love tons of people, does that mean I need to marry them?
And I know what you’ll say is that well, Erika, the love you feel for friends, family, etc., etc., is different then love of a significant other. SAYS WHO!?!
Wouldn’t you want to love your significant other just as much and in the same way…somewhat as you love your best friend, or your little brother? Wouldn’t you want a relationship established with that person like you have with a good friend?
Love does not lead to marriage.
I hope you don’t think that your whole life, because honestly, that could lead to many burnt bridges.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
if you like to people and you truly love and you decide this is the way you want to go then you should go that way. because you dont know whats going trough the guys heads or doi you. Because if you do then you should be able to decide. Its alright until they started for he girls to marying them. If you want to mary someone and your not forcing them then it is ok
May 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I THINK POLYGAMY IS SOMETHING PEOPLE SHOULD DO IF THEY WANT. FOR EXAMPLE LET SAY ONE OF YOU GIRLS LOVES TWO GUYS EQUALLY AND VERY MUCH, AND POLYGAMY WAS VERY MUCH LEGAL WOULDN’T YOU WANT TO MARRY THESE TWO MEN WHICH YOU LOVED VERY MUCH AND EQUALLY AND LETS JUST SAY THAT POLYGAMY WAS VERY MUCH WELCOMED IN YOUR COMMUNITY WOULD OR WOULD YOU NOT MARRY THESE TWO MEN. ANSEWER BACK , BUT PLEASE DON’T HURT MY FEELING THANKS. YAHH DIGG
May 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
In my opinion, the practice of polygamy should not be protected by the first amendment. The first amendment has nothing to do with marriage or relationships. I think it should be legal, if everyone involved is consenting. I mean really, the government is not supposed to involve itself in people’s personal lives. I just don’t think it has anything to do with the first amendment.
And, in response to the people saying that there isn’t love in polygamist relationships: Can’t people love more than one person? I don’t know. It’s just something to think about.
And, in response to the people talking about the TX colony: Polygamy doesn’t mean incest, sexual assault, or pedophilia. Just because all those things are going on, doesn’t mean all polygamists do them.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Alexis, I haven’t read any of your latest comments, nor have I read the multiple replies against your opinion, but your first comment is absolutely absurd. The situation with the FLDS is not the only community practicing polygamy. Most of the time, polygamy is not an “older man” marrying a 14 or 15 year old girl. That happened once, and the authorities took the proper actions. Usually, all of the people that wish to participate in polygamy are consenting adults. Polygamy is part of a religion. Whether you think it is “a little bit wrong”, means absolutely nothing. These people should have the freedom to have multiple spouses if it is really part of their religion. It seems that your only argument is that you heard about a story where old men forced young girls into marriage. You said, “I know its freedom of worship, but come on.” Come on what? Just saying come on does not shift someone’s opinion to your side. Do a little bit more research on what these polygamists actually believe. I doubt you could think of one more example where polygamy has gotten out of hand like it did in Eldorado.
Another thing you should take a look at next time you post an ignorant and naive statement like your first: You started your argument saying you didn’t think it should be legal under any circumstances. You then ended your argument saying you weren’t sure whether polygamy is right or wrong and whether it should be protected by the constitution. Next time you might want to find where exactly you are standing in the argument, and how you can make your words actually mean something. Following that contradicting statement, you then said you were leaning towards it being wrong for the reasons above. What reasons? The only reason you gave was from the story you heard about where the people were being married unwillingly, a situation that was taken care of by the police. At least when you finally decide which argument you would like to convey, make sure you have more than one reason, and make sure it is being practiced in more than just one situation. Polygamy is a religious belief that should be protected by the constitution, and it’s a pity that you think your argument was useful to people agreeing with you, which I doubt is many.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Woooooooh.
Go Paley.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
AHAHAHA! I agree 100% with Paley.
That was quite inspirational:)
May 6th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Oh, and she does seem to change her opinion quite often. Sofi, she always apologizes to you when you correct her.
Did you notice that?
May 6th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Hellz yeah.
“Yes Sofi, you’re right. That was an ignorant statement to make. I noticed my mistake.
haha, i WILL think before I write from now on. (=”
ROFLCAKES.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Demetrius, I’m sorry but I have no idea what you are saying.
I’ve read your comment at least ten times, and I don’t know what you are talking about.
rephrase it please and thank you.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Kaitlin, use spell check.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
is it grapes?
May 6th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Erika, why shouldn’t I apolagize for mistakes I made. I’m showing that I realize my mistake and am accepting it. Erika you suck up to Sofi all the time. Read all your comments to Sofi.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Alright, I don’t suck up to her. I stick to my opinions. I just noticed that yours changed quite frequently.
My opinion doesn’t change if someone disagrees with it.
And Lexy, I admire all you have to say on this blog. You offer a refreshing view of the world around us.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Alexis, you’re dramatizing again.
Suck it up and do something productive, please.
Erika’s my homie; she does no sucking up to me.
Fanx.
Debate on, people! Debate on!
May 6th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
First Erika, you say that you agree 100% with Paley who did not support ANYTHING I said. Now you’re saying, “I admire all you have to say on this blog. You offer a refreshing view of the world around us.” ??
and you say I change my opinion alot.
oh, and itsn’t it good to see the problem from all sides?
May 6th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Please shut up.
Should polygamy be legal?
May 6th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Alexis, just give up. It is good to see the problem from all sides when you actually have a side to defend. I dont think you can say that at this point…
May 6th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
yeah okay. whatever.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Um I think that you should stop making a huge deal out of this Alexis.
It’s a blog.
You’re taking it personally.
and I don’t suck up to either of them!
Why would I, of all people, have to?
I have my own opinions.
I don’t need theirs.
I respect every opinion presented.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
No, I am not taking it personally.
but okay. can we all please move on?
May 6th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
to Alexis
What no we are not going to move on
May 6th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I have a question. If polygamy is legalized because of the First Amendment where is it going to stop? Won’t any thing be justifiable by religion? And if not how are we going to decide? Legalizing polygamy might have a huge effect on our society.
May 7th, 2008 at 8:20 am
@Mary:
Legalizing polygamy under the First Amendment would have a huge impact on our society, but it would NOT justify EVERYTHING having to do with “religion”. Cannibalism, of course, is not legal because it entails harming another human being.
That is not, and will never be, legal.
May 7th, 2008 at 8:41 am
WHAT THE HECK.
people NEED to STOP using my name in this.
”
to Alexis
What no we are not going to move on”
^^
NOT ME.
May 7th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Alexis, please stop posting obnoxious comments that don’t have anything to do with the topic at hand.
It’s unnecessary and it makes you appear unconcerned with the subject matter.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:01 am
sofi stop being a jerkasuarous
May 7th, 2008 at 9:05 am
i swear i didn’t write that.
whoever you are pretending to be me, quit it.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:06 am
yes, timmy im pretty sure its grapes
May 7th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Ouch Sofi,
You got PONED!
hahahaaha jk
I think that polygamy should only be legal if everyone involved in the marriage wants to do it. Other than that I think It should be legal. I mean sure I find it a little disturbing but thats not enough to ban it. People are still just stuck in the mindset that marriage is only for two straight people, when in reality there are so many more types of couples out there.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:09 am
YESSSSS GRAAAPPPEEEESSSSS !
May 7th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Alexis, you are in trouble with me.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Jerkasaurus.
Lawllerskates.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Isn’t everybody getting a little off-topic?
If you have something to say to me, say it to my face.
This isn’t about my “jerkasaurus”ness, my masculinity, or my skills with intimidation.
It’s about multiple spouse marriages.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:35 am
@Sofi
I understand that things like cannibalism wouldn’t be legalized through religion. But what about issue like polygamy? Will the government deiced what is legal? I thought the whole propose of America was to separate state from religion.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Should Polygamy be legal?
Well I have often changed my opinion because I’m trying to look at all sides of the argument. I think that polygamy isn’t wrong, it’s just not construed as correct by most americans. But to be honest what is correct? Society today is pretty warped.
If someone has the desire to be with more than one partner, it’s their own choice and they should be granted that decision. You shouldn’t need religion to be your excuse.
This case of polygamy, however, is not exactly the same. In this facility girls were forced into a marriage that was not consensual. Not only girls but sometimes even women. No one, male or female, should be forced into marriage.
Although I know I’m not here to talk about myself, I know that polygamy is not for me. BUT, it is for some people and you should respect the needs and beliefs of others. Now I’m not saying that you have to agree or anything, just simply saying that their ideas should be respected.
Legalize.
By the way, Erika, Sofi, & Paley - KUDOS.
Thankssssssss
May 7th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Hey its there relgion they should do what they want
May 7th, 2008 at 9:58 am
The practice of Polygamy should be protected by the First Amendment. Even though men have more than one spouse, they have the right to do so because that’s what they believe in. I don’t think that’s the way they should practice a religion. Everyone should be committed to only one person. I don’t think that’s a healthy relationship, but our laws should protect those who want to participate this practice.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Well Vy I think that ploygamy shouldn’t be protected by the First Amendment, because young girl that are close to our age are being forced to marry someone who is old enough to be their father. Also can you imagine how complicated it would be if someone who had 5 wives and about 15 children, and that person deicides to have a dirvorce. How would the courts settle that issue?
May 7th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I just read your comment Erika, the one where you said “Love does not lead to marriage.”
And I disagree. Love for your friends and family is different from loving your significant other. Normally you don’t love your friends or family enough to want to make out with them or other things..
And love is the beginning steps to marriage. Love is a major part in deciding to get married. People don’t usually get married to people they hate unless they are major god diggers.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I think is wrong for a man to mary two wives.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I think it’s right for a man to marry two wives.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:30 am
There is nothing wrong with that!
May 7th, 2008 at 10:35 am
@SH:
Is there a logical explanation for your view?
May 7th, 2008 at 10:39 am
FOR ALEXANDRA: Um, I hate to break it to you, but love seriously doesn’t lead to marriage. What about couples who have been divorced? Are you going to say that they were never in “love” in the first place? The definition of love depends on who you are, and I’m sorry but I just don’t agree with what you said. Love for everyone is different. Come tell me in ten years if the person you first fell in love with is your husband or not.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Y
May 7th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Christ, I am a genius.
I hit Y and then enter.
But,
@Alexandra:
Love most certainly doesn’t always lead to marriage.
Over the past half-century the number of single-parent households has skyrocketed to ONE-THIRD of ALL U.S. families. The traditional American family structure appears to be crumbling.
Sigh.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Exactly, it’s mostly just for finacial support.
May 7th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I think that it should be leagal because maybe the guy is a g and he wants two wifes at a time
you feel me
May 7th, 2008 at 11:24 am
I think that love isnt nessicarly a permanent state. You can fall out of love, but why even bother getting married if your not in love? Seriously there is no point. But I think that most people are in love when they get married. I’m not saying that all love results in marriage, I’m saying that most people who get married are in love.
May 7th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
ROUND 2
May 7th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
@Alexandra:
People get married for other reasons besides being in love.
For example, lifelong FINANCIAL SUPPORT and aid in taxes and healthcare.
May 7th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Alright then! I believe that people should be allowed to have more than one wife. You can dupe the other one and find another woman. First of all not that i’ll do that. Yes, I get that you can just divorce the woman you married but why does it matter. I don’t want to go to court to pay money for a divorce, next thing I know i’ll be broke.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Sofi:
Yeah sure people do that but I think MOST people get married because they love eachother.
May 8th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I think that even if it screws up all the state laws around marriage, I still think it should be legal. It never says anywhere in the constitution that it shouldn’t be legal so why isn’t it?
Anyone else care to comment about state laws?
May 9th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I agree with everyone because everyone is my friend”some”
ps maybe AKARI is right!!!!!!!!!! not hahahahahha.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Sofi, your first post was very inspirational.
I think you are exactly correct !
Paley, you have many good points. Woo Hoo for Paley
Tayyylorrr, This statement is completely true “But to be honest what is correct? Society today is pretty warped.”
I give you all kudos =]
May 12th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Instead of congratulating us on how amazing our ideas were, maybe you could talk about some of your own points.
Everyone already knows I am God.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:04 am
HAHAHAHA!(that’s called a laugh)
you’re a pompous, haughty self-important young man Paley.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:30 am
KMSSTUDENTBLOGGER:
He’s being contrary.
GIve it a break.
He’s only referring to himself as God because he doesn’t believe in God.
It’s a joke.
May 13th, 2008 at 10:43 am
thats one person who gets it