I do not object to plural marriage

One of the issues I hear raised in opposition to same-sex marriage is that same-sex marriage is the first-step on a slippery slope to legalizing polygamous marriage. I do not sympathize with a variety of anti-gay-marriage positions in this vein. I don't think it makes sense, and I object to the way that this discussions bash people who are polygamous.

Logical positions regarding legal interpretation

Sometimes gay-marriage opponents say, "[We don't have to recognize same-sex marriage as a civil right, because if we had so to do], what would stop us from [being required to] afford the same legal treatment to plural marriage?" If someone thinks

1. that legal recognition of plural marriage is a consequence of an argument that holds same-sex marriage as a civil right, and
2. that plural marriage is objectionable

then that person can consistently find the recognition same-sex marriage as a civil right objectionable, but that person cannot conclude from this sense of objection that it is a logical impossibility for same-sex marriage to be a civil right. An interpretation of legal text is not deemed illogical merely because a person finds that its generalization is offensive.

Moral grounds

When someone uses the specter of legalized plural marriage as an objection to same-sex marriage, that person takes it for granted that polygamy is per se objectionable. Yes, there are historical instances when plural marriages existed in societies with wealth disparities leading to unequal treatment of spouses (i.e. see the polygamous Chinese marriages described in Joy Luck Club). However, that experience does not directly shed light on the workings of a polygamous relationship between consenting adults in the absence of coercion.

As a matter of accident, I happen to feel naturally monogamous, but I don't think that means that people who are polygamous are "unnatural." Even if they were "unnatural," that wouldn't mean that they were necessarily "wrong." If "natural" defined "right," and "right" determined law, then refrigeration, polyester, and condoms would be illegal.