In general, the relatedness issue is due to the genetics of the situation. Inbreeding tends to produce children with inherited problems, though I am probably phrasing this wrong. As far as the age of consent; yes, states have different ages when people are allowed to get married. Some allow minors (at or after a certain age) to get married, if the minor child has the parent's consent to the marriage. In general, the idea, to my mind, is that the state is trying to ensure that both parties to the marriage are consenting adults, or at least have the blessings of their parents to this marriage.
As far as polygamy goes, why not polyandry as well? Actually, I am in favor of legalizing polyamory.
The one thing that I am absolutely against is only allowing one type of sexual orientation to get married. My opinion is that if they are consenting adults, why shouldn't they get married if they wish to do so?
|