The Washington Times recently reported on Christian Polygamy in the US and the battle that its proponents want to wage. Not surprisingly there is mention of historic Mormon polygamy as well as the aberrant fundamentalist practitioners in Utah and Arizona.

Cheryl Wetzstein, the author, follows the path of reasoning from the legalization of same sex marriages down the so-called slippery slope to polygamy. This is something that same sex marriage advocates like Jonathan Rauch have repeatedly denounced. According to a Gallup poll last May, there is a 92% public disapproval of plural marriage.

Wetzstein notes that South Dakota lawmakers have moved prophylactically with a constitutional marriage amendment that specifically addresses polygamy. However, both the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Libertarian Party support gender neutral polygamy.

The author also interviewed two Christian polygamous families, who argue for a biblical recognition of the practice. These anonymous polygamists also note that the practice is ideal for raising children and fostering environment where women can pursue meaningful careers.

The article mentions that a key factor for legal recognition of polygamy will be reversal of the 1878 decision in Reynolds v. United States. For more information on historic legal issues, see the timely conversation at LSLF.