I’m sure you’ve heard the suggestion of Sheikh Khalil - that polygamous marriage be legalised in Australia.

Since I first heard the report I’ve been wondering what the responses would be, particuarly from politics, media and the society at large. …I have to say I’ve found the discussion to be fascinating.

I’ve tried to keep a track of the responses:

• We don’t want Shari’ah law in Australia
• Australians pride ourselves on our tolerance for other religions and cultures, so why not?
• They might be saying they want it, but do they really want it? (particuarly insinuating that women are being coerced into speaking in support of polygynous marriage) …it’s a kind of ‘we know best’ argument
• What we love about marriage is ‘partnership’ and ‘equality’. Having multiple partners (wives?) would erode these values. (It was a kind of feminist perspective, fearful of women losing their power in marriages)
• It already happens in practice, but is not able to be legally recognised. Why bury your head in the sand (Keysar Trad’s argument)
• It should, but should go both ways. (Women have multiple husbands, polyandry)

Have you heard any others? Any overtly Christian responses in the media? (and what did you think of them?)

What would you say, for example, if you were a politician?

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