Anyone want to step up and defend consensual incest being legal (but a bad idea)

[danny]

I don't think consensual incest is a bad idea at all (of any kind), the only thing I'd advise against is having babies together. In any case it shouldn't be illegal and they should be allowed to marry (like same sex marriage).

[danny]

I think there is a distinction between having relations with cousins and immediate family members. The former is generally socially acceptable. The latter is not and we are very fortunate that is the case, for a variety of reasons (biological, psychological, etc.). It might not cause immediate birth defects (statistically speaking) but it opens up the door to abusive situations, decreased genetic diversity, etc. For that reason it should not be tolerated.

But this is all statistically speaking and nowadays we can test for whether there genetic problems. would you support a ban on sex amongst unrelated people whose genetic makeup shows a high propensity for defects/illnesses and vice versa?

[danny]

It should be noted here that while defects are much more common among children of incestous relationships they are still rather unlikely.

This is a cultural issue, rather than a legal one anyone. The best way to prevent is making people feel disgusted at the idea. Which works (mostly).

I suppose I'm the exception since it doesn't disgust me at all (not that i plan on being in such a relationship).

[danny]

No, but that's not why I primarily oppose it.

So what is the primary reason?

[danny]

The question isn't whether it's sick.

The law is forced to make a decision somewhere.  Should it allow kids?  Marriage licenses?  And if not, on what basis should they be refused?

Based on the same reason polygamy is illegal - it'ss been shown to be unhealthy (or at least that's what some on the forum had argued when I said I thought it could be ok.  Then people gave statistics of spousal abuse, and I was willing to accept polygamy as illegal).

If there's spousal abuse involved why cant just prosecute for that?