Gay Marriage
The Government of Canada seems determined to push through legislation to legalize same-sex marriage throughout the country. It is now allowed for in Ontario because of a court decision. It has been a bit of tough issue for Paul Martin's Cabinet and Caucus, but in the House of Commons he will have plenty of support from the left-wing parties, so there will be no threat to his majority.
Colby Cosh is all over one aspect of the issue: once we approve of same-sex marriage, will we have any basis to reject polygamy? I guess feminism will go along way to stop the spread of polygamy; stereotypically, at least, it is worse for women than monogamous marriage. Colby seems worried that polygamy is very ancient, and is still practised within certain cultures. They may demand the right to continue this tradition on grounds of freedom of religion.
Colby refers to "culture," speaks of a choice between "European Christianity [and] other ways of life," and between the New Testament and the Old. He specifically mentions Arabs and Nigerians. I don't know: are we going to be challenged with thriving polygamous communities, some of which seem successful? Will we fall back on the "consenting adults" test? Is there any more harm, to children or anyone else, in polygamy than in gay marriage?
In his dissent in Lawrence v. Texas, Antonin Scalia worries about incest and bestiality, among other practices. If adults must be free to pursue their own sexuality, why not these items on the menu? The majority doesn't even suggest an answer. Perhaps non-human animals (in the old days, beasts) can't consent. Incest? I'm kind of bracing myself for an argument that children can consent to sex, especially with someone who is known to be somehow careful or considerate about them. Incest might be looked upon more favourably than sex with strangers. That would open things up.
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