Good!

Utah polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs is sentenced to jail time. As a proud Utah native, I always was irritated by those who thought that the state and the practice of polygamy were interchangeable. Honestly, in the Ogden and Salt Lake areas where I grew up, polygamy was literally non-existent, just like every other state. And the mainstream LDS Church (or Mormons, as they are often known) excommunicates anyone who is found engaging in this practice. However, the religion's polygamous roots run deep and have developed several different offshoots. One can't ignore the fact that while illegal in Utah (just like everywhere else) polygamy, unfortunately, still rears its ugly head occasionally, especially in the less populated areas.

According to the article, "Washington County prosecutors said Jeffs enticed Elissa Wall into marriage and sex against her will by telling her that the relationship was commanded by God and that any refusal would place her salvation at risk." Niiice, buddy. Way to use your patriarchal position to scare someone into marriage. Isn't it romantic? Oh, and did I mention that the victim was 14 at the time? At 14, I was crushing on Gavin Rossdale and daydreaming about my college years. No 14 year old (or anyone, for that matter) should be forced into a sexual relationship against their will.

I have nothing but disdain for the practice of polygamy; the very premise is based on inequality between men and women. Men do not have to share their wives' affections; no matter how many women are in a "marriage," all the romantic affections felt by the females are given to the husband. The women, however, have to share their husband with many other women, which leads naturally to jealousy, heartache, and, ultimately, a feeling of worthlessness (are they not enough for a man? Why does he need more than one wife?) It's just another example of how patriarchy is often used to further the oppression of women. When are we, as conscious, law-abiding, moral citizens, going to stand up and demand an end to this practice?

And, by the way, I also advocate gay marriage; I know a lot of people say that if you advocate gay marriage, you have to advocate polygamy. I disagree. I passionately support one, and vehemently abhor the other. I'll explain this apparent contradiction in a future post.