Principle & Basis For Law

Here's an interesting polygamy article, but this time from Canada...

B.C. polygamist leaders charged in case that will test ban on multiple marriage

VANCOUVER, B.C. — After decades of controversy and allegations, RCMP swept into the polygamous community of Bountiful, B.C., on Wednesday and arrested two sect leaders, including one who had bragged of multiple wives and dozens of children and all but dared police to stop him.  Winston Blackmore and James Oler - leaders of separate, divided factions in the community of about 1,000 people - were each charged with a single count of practising polygamy. Blackmore is accused of having 20 wives and Oler two, and police say some of their wives were as young as 15 years old when they were married. The arrest brought a dramatic end to almost 20 years of investigations and scrutiny, and the start of a criminal case that will test the limits of Canada's prohibition of polygamy.  

Read the rest of the article here...

Once, there were laws protecting a man's rights to own slaves...

Once, there were laws denying women and blacks the vote...

Once, there were laws against whites marrying blacks...

Once, there were laws against men having sex with men...

Once, there were laws against same sex marriage...

Once, there were laws against men (or women) marrying more than one spouse...

Once, there were laws against ...

Many will wring their hands, referencing some long ago proven ridiculous linkage between homosexuality and the fall of the Roman Empire.

Not me.  Personally, I think America is moving in a very healthy direction...

But, we do need to start thinking about principles.  

On the basis of what principle do we make laws against pedophilia?  

On what basis do we make illegal plural marriages?  

Are these principles religious?  Civil? Are they based on physical protection?  Maybe, fiscal?

We can no longer make laws just because something "seems wrong."  

Time to quit being lazy!

Pooch Doggy Dog (who will now have to enter the "Blogger Protection Program")