The Case Against Polygamy

Abstract

This short essay examines three main arguments at the heart of the Western case against polygamy-arguments from nature, harm, and symbolism. Each of these arguments pressed from various premises and perspectives, and each of them were quite different from the arguments used to condemn sodomy and same-sex unions. Together, these arguments still support traditional prohibitions on polygamy, even in states that now accept same-sex marriage, sexual liberty, and religious freedom.

Keywords: polygamy, monogamy, marriage, family, procreation, household, sexual liberty