Doc,
There is a meaningful difference between a "marriage" and a "civil union" in the U.S.
Here is an incomplete list of some of the numerous rights and benefits that are conferred upon married people automatically in the U.S. that are not so with other types of unions. " The result is a collection of 1049 federal laws classified to the United States Code in which marital status is a factor."
Among the categories of the 1049 laws involved:
In addition, the 'full faith and credit' clause (Article IV, Section I) indicates that marriages performed in one state, must be recognized in other states. The DOMA passed in 1996 exempts states from recognizing unions performed in other states, IIRC. Having some of the above listed rights recognized when you travel to other states for married people and not those who have formed a civil union speaks to the disparity between the two arrangements.
One reason (about which I reserve judgement) against polygamous marriages that is unique to multiple partner unions is how the legal system handles property rights. Without the benefit of a will or trust document, it is difficult but possible to establish a line to which property should be dissiminated. With multiple partner marriages, this system breaks down.
EDIT:
Assuming that all parties are of an age to which they can consent, I would like to add that I can think of no argument in favor of allowing same-sex marriages which does not also apply in favor of incestual and same-sex incestual marriages.
There is a meaningful difference between a "marriage" and a "civil union" in the U.S.
Here is an incomplete list of some of the numerous rights and benefits that are conferred upon married people automatically in the U.S. that are not so with other types of unions. " The result is a collection of 1049 federal laws classified to the United States Code in which marital status is a factor."
Among the categories of the 1049 laws involved:
Quote: Social Security and Related Programs, Housing, and Food Stamps
Veterans' Benefits
Taxation
Federal Civilian and Military Service Benefits
Employment Benefits and Related Laws
Immigration, Naturalization, and Aliens
Indians
Trade, Commerce, and Intellectual Property
Financial Disclosure and Conflict of Interest
Crimes and Family Violence
Loans, Guarantees, and Payments in Agriculture
Federal Natural Resources and Related Laws
Miscellaneous Laws
In addition, the 'full faith and credit' clause (Article IV, Section I) indicates that marriages performed in one state, must be recognized in other states. The DOMA passed in 1996 exempts states from recognizing unions performed in other states, IIRC. Having some of the above listed rights recognized when you travel to other states for married people and not those who have formed a civil union speaks to the disparity between the two arrangements.
One reason (about which I reserve judgement) against polygamous marriages that is unique to multiple partner unions is how the legal system handles property rights. Without the benefit of a will or trust document, it is difficult but possible to establish a line to which property should be dissiminated. With multiple partner marriages, this system breaks down.
EDIT:
Assuming that all parties are of an age to which they can consent, I would like to add that I can think of no argument in favor of allowing same-sex marriages which does not also apply in favor of incestual and same-sex incestual marriages.