Posted by Dinah on February 9, 2006, at 13:34:41
In reply to Re: NH Weighs in. » deirdrehbrt, posted by AuntieMel on February 9, 2006, at 11:50:17
> But - what is marriage? In modern times it is two things. It can be a sacrement, blessed by a church, but not recognized by the governemt. And it is also a civil contract, which *is* recognized by the state.
I agree. This is the root of the issue. And maybe it can't be solved without splitting the terminology. So that no government entity recognizes marriage at all, leaving it purely a religious sacrament. And all government entities recognize something else, civil union or whatever, which is what people (any people) would get a license for, and which would be open to anyone.
Although that still leaves plenty of room for argument. My not too far distant ancestors were second (or later) wives in polygamous marriages whose children were made illegitimate when Utah joined the United States, which led to disastrous economic consequences for my one step down ancestors. Should civil unions be limited to two individuals? Custom in many cultures would dictate otherwise. Is it fair to impose western values on polygamy?
poster:Dinah
thread:607584
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060204/msgs/607964.html