Anonymous wrote:Because children should be able to grow up in an environment where there is no threat of having to deal with sexual advances from their grandparents, uncles, cousins, etc.
Anonymous wrote:[b]Because it is icky. Also, depending on the age difference I'd think there was some sort of molestation going on. Also, it makes the "So, how did you two meet?" small talk really uncomfortable.
Anonymous wrote:The state could not legally compel the couple to use birth control or abort if the birth control failed.
Marriage, as in the issue of gay marriage, is about the legal construct of marriage (ie no one is compelling religion institutions to perform religous marriage ceremonies), and the ability to be recognized as married under the law ato receive all legal protections or burdens (tax penalties) of individuals carrying this definition. The legal aspect of marriage also involves terms where the marriage can be dissolved (divorce). As failure to consumate a marriage is grounds for annullment and failure to have sex is grounds for divorce, the act of sex is assumed to present. Sex between two closely related heterosexuals would or could result in the serious genetic defects. Again, the state could not compel birth control or abortion.
Now arguable, two same sex partners who are closely related could have an argument. However, you would need enough of these individuals to amend the law and this is highly unlikely so I don't think you have anything to worry about when gay marriage passes.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The only argument against it would be genetic risks to the offspring, but if a couple took precautions to not conceive, why not?
Define close. Cousin marriage (cosanguinity) is very common in some parts, especially the Muslim Middle East. I have read that the conventional wisdom regarding genetic defects is somewhat overstated. Still a risk though. It would seem that consanguinity leads to tribalism and allegiance to family, with a corresponding reduced commitment to government and society in general.
siblings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The only argument against it would be genetic risks to the offspring, but if a couple took precautions to not conceive, why not?
Define close. Cousin marriage (cosanguinity) is very common in some parts, especially the Muslim Middle East. I have read that the conventional wisdom regarding genetic defects is somewhat overstated. Still a risk though. It would seem that consanguinity leads to tribalism and allegiance to family, with a corresponding reduced commitment to government and society in general.
Anonymous wrote:The only argument against it would be genetic risks to the offspring, but if a couple took precautions to not conceive, why not?
Anonymous wrote:The only argument against it would be genetic risks to the offspring, but if a couple took precautions to not conceive, why not?