The problem for me arises in the religious/social context of this “choice”. If your religion tells women they are to be subservient to men, that women must obey men or go to hell, then how much consent is involved in plural marriage? (Notice also that plural marriage is not women with multiple husbands but only men with multiple wives.)

Many girls and boys are raised in closed religious communities to believe the above is inherent truth. They are not allowed access to even minimal education, let alone ideas that challenge the idea of women’s subservience to men. There is also the forced confinment of women and girls, along with the forced expulsion of young men who are seen as threats to the older men in charge.

Some belief systems “require” sex with a virgin to cure the man of aids. Many religions demand the virginity of women as a requisite of marriage. Where marriage is one of the best, or only options for survival, how does this translate into consent?

I am certain it never translates into consent for children, but I also think there are many cases where there is no real consent for adult women.

If children and adults are not given information that makes their religion transparant (ie: there are others ways of thinking about the world) and they are physically/psychologically being threatened then how is this choice?

I’m certain that consenting adults can choose non-abusive polyamourous relationships. I don’t think it can be a choice in religious circumstances where no questioning of that religion is allowed.

LIVE: POPE ARRIVES IN U.S.
COUPLE CHARGED WITH HAVING TWO SPOUSES.

Coincidence? I think not!