See, I'm viewing this from an Australian POV. As far as I know, one man married to ten women wouldn't actually affect any welfare or anything. If anything, it could actually decrease welfare payments to all the parties involved, since you get less dole money if you're partnered. I mean, how exactly will it cost the state more to fund 10 non-legally married dole bludgers (which will cost them $482.80/person/fortnight, assuming they have children) than it would to fund 10 legally married dole bludgers (394.40/fortnight for each person)?Knife wrote:Based on this post, I thin you and I have a disconnect. I have no problem with man X marrying woman Y and then having spirit wife Z, A, B, C etc... but the state shouldn't have to recognize Z, A, B etc... and confer all legal and financial status because of undue burden. If all persons involved want to shoulder the responsibility themselves, go for it, but the state and society in general shouldn't have to subsidize it.
There are plenty of ways to address your single points that doesn't need the one big over reaching 'marriage' to address, rather singular solutions to the problems as they arise in a case by case situation.
So again, as I started this, not legal but it doesn't have to be illegal.
I really see the governmental costs of having the relationship being legally recognised as minimal, and the benefits being increased security for all members of the marriage.