Hello.
One might say "If monogamy is the norm (by law), isn't the entire society "indoctrinated" into monogamy?" We also take on the cultural values we were brought to believe, whatever they may be.

Interestingly, while I thought that polygamy wasn't a biblical idea, I came across a Christian who argues:

The Christian Scriptures waffle on this idea, i.e. 1 Timothy 3:2, English Standard Version says:"Therefore an overseer [bishop in other translations] must be above reproach, the husband of one wife[.]" This does not say that men lower in the church hierarchy cannot have more than one wife.

As always, there are more than one interpretation of everything.

@Naomi this text refers to the choosing of deacons (people to care for ) widows. there has been different thoughts on this choice. The first is that the married person would be less likely to take advantage of the widows, the other is that they have shown themselves to be faithful with one wife and that maybe they would take another take another one to care for. The only biblical requirement for marriage to another women is that nothing could be taken from the first wife to care for the other wife.

Interesting. Thank you.

Hello. What is normal is constantly changing, and intimate relationships come in different forms nowadays. Marriage is a legal contract, but there are many couples (including the couple next door to me) who are not married but have children, and they're happy as family units. Not sure how financial matters such as tax and pension work for them, though.
In the UK, polygamy is illegal, but some people practise it by their religion. Things become complicated, especially, when they lack financial support for their own children, at which point the government has to come to the rescue by providing benefits and allowances. If you are a tax payer, you have to wonder although you understand that the welfare of children is important, why you must support poly parents who go against the law in the first place while you are a good law-abiding citizen adhering to monogamy. It becomes the mockery of the law, doesn't it?

@Naomi
Hi Naomi,
Yes, societal norms are always changing, but what is "right" doesn't change.
I think, as a general rule of thumb, that if a new cultural trend requires changes in the law; then the law was inappropriate the whole time... it's just that nobody cared before.
If those changes are complicating taxes, pensions, health plans, etc... that is an indicator that we've allowed those things to become inappropriately intrusive into private concerns.

The Culture exists in the private sphere, and Government exists in the public.
And never the twain should meet.
It's nobody's business how you organize your household and your relationships.
Pedophilia is still illegal. Parents or Legal Guardians are still legally responsible for their dependents' welfare, and for their actions in the community to some extent; no matter what their "family" looks like.
From an American perspective: The Government has no right to mandate/prohibit, encourage or discourage any religion or religious practice. But they do have a right, indeed a duty, to hold those individuals accountable to the same secular standards as everybody else while they do it.
Freedom of Religion does not imply freedom from the Law of the land.
The Law can't target religious practices purely on religious grounds, but any practice that violates existing Law is still illegal, by definition.
If your religion "allows" you to marry a 14-year old, that's your business. If that "marriage" includes violating her rights as a juvenile in any way, including consummation, then you're just a rapist. A "free pass" from your religion has no authority in secular Law.
That's why Satanists can't have human sacrifices.
That's also why I think Churches should be taxed like everybody else.

Hello. The article regarding Utah and the LDS you posted a few days ago actually got me thinking. Lol
It seems correct that polygamy is associated with abuse against women and children - historically and culturally. But then, polygamy refers to one man with multiple wives. What about polyandry, i.e., one woman with multiple husbands? Would that create just as much as domestic abuse? (It sounds useful in terms of getting manual chores done. Lol)
I've learned a little about LDS-style abuse. Decriminalisation of polygamy might open the door for thousands of people to seek help and protection from domestic abusers and paedophiles, and might straighten up tax/benefit-related matters.

Yes. We live in interesting times, if you call that. Lol