Bob Layton Editorial: The next step in marriage equality?

It was a historic announcement: Same-sex marriage, now legal in Canada.

Same-sex couples had the same marriage rights as everyone else, including same-sex divorce.

I recall asking someone who was demonstrating for gay rights back in about 2000, how far that choice should go.

I asked, if same-sex marriage was one day available to consenting adults, how about polygamy? He said, yes, that should be available as well.

Now, that is about to be tested in court.

One of the men in B.C. convicted of polygamy, Winston Blackmore, says he is launching a constitutional challenge of the laws against plural marriage.

The bad press around polygamous groups has had a lot to do with child brides, obviously not even old enough to consent, but what about the people who are able to consent, and choose that lifestyle? Why should their rights be any less than those granted to same-sex couples?

I am not promoting polygamy.

I’m just asking if Winston Blackmore has a legitimate argument to bring before the court.

Let me know what you think.

Bob Layton is the news manager of the Corus Edmonton group of radio stations and a commentator for Global News.