What's the Big Deal with Bigamy

What's the Big Deal with Bigamy

by Kyle Boston

Rallying for the cause at a San Francisco Pride rally in 2004
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyamory)

In light of the incident that recently took place on school grounds involving some of the faculty here at ISU (read about it, or see a video of the issue), the issue of polygamy has recently become a subject of some interest on campus, but I, for one, don't see what the big deal is.

For those unaware, Judith Morris, an ISU professor, had her class interrupted several weeks ago by Todd Morris, another professor, who accused her of infidelity and provided evidence in front of her surprised students that she was in a relationship with another man.  Morris admitted to being married to another man and courting a third leading to her being arrested under suspicion of bigamy by the public safety officers on hand at ISU.

In this instance, one can see why there are laws against plural marriages.  Yet, what about instances where all the parties involved are aware of one another and love and support one another?  Why should this be considered illegal in our country?  The law against bigamy is derived from Christian beliefs that a marriage should be between a man and woman yet in our country isn't there supposed to be a separation of church and state?  Why then, does our country's laws prohibit it?

Recently, a federal judge ruled that part of the law is "unconstitutional," a small victory for polygamists.  It seems that many opinions are changing as well due to the access gained into the personal lives of some prominent polygamists due to reality TV, and some think that it will soon be a bigger topic of contention going forward.

As far as I'm concerned, as long as everyone involved knows what's going on and is comfortable with the situation then I don't see why it's such a big deal, though I don't plan to bring the subject up with my wife any time soon.