"If marriage is redefined in our laws to include same-sex couples, there will be nothing to stop polygamous marriages from being legally recognized as well." Those who argue in this fashion are accused of scare-mongering, of being homophobes and religious bigots.
However, how many have heard about the trial set to begin next month in Canada, a country that already redefined marriage to included same-sex couples? Winston Blackmore and James Oler, members of a Mormon sect still loyal to the teachings of Joseph Smith, are on trial for polygamy. According to the Associated Press, Blair Suffredine, a former member of the Gordon-Campbells Liberal government and now Blackmore's attorney, is arguing that in light of Canada's legalization of same-sex marriages, "What is the reason that one person can't marry more than one person?"
He is exactly right. This may be an unintended consequence. Nevertheless, we will be traveling this road if we redefine marriage to include same-sex couples. I can hear the protestors now: "Don't like polygamous marriages? Don't marry more than one person at the same time!" Sigh!
Kieran Murphy
Duluth
