The intentional termination of the nuclear family has been around the corner for some time now. As the social landscape is changing, so is morality. The ideas and perceptions of the nuclear family are changing too, and NOT for the better. Right now, our landscape is a backwards tapestry of selfishness, with no regard of the impact it will have on children, our future. The Nuclear Family is being tried yet again. This time with laws supporting Polyamory. We need to ask ourselves is this what we want for our kids? Strength and stability or self-interest and confusion?
In California, the answer seems to be the latter. On their Facebook page, the Chosen Family Law Center boasts, “BREAKING NEWS! Berkeley & Oakland are the first west coast cities to introduce family and relationship structure nondiscrimination laws! The bill has already passed in three Massachusetts cities! Most Americans do not live in a “nuclear family.” This bill protects other relationships and family structures, including polyamorous families, platonic co-parents, asexual folks, single people, separated co-parents, & multi-generational households! How does this law protect us? By broadening definitions of “family” and “intimate personal relationship” and providing a civil financial penalty for violation, the acts offer protections in housing, business establishments, and city (or city-supported) facilities and services.”
You heard that correctly, Berkeley and Oakland, California, are on the brink of becoming the first West Coast cities to formally recognize polyamorous family arrangements.
To clarify, Polyamory, is “any of various practices involving romantic or sexual relationships with multiple partners with the knowledge and consent of all involved.” That means Joey can have a mom who is “married” to his father, but his mom has open intimate relationships with other men and/or women. Even more, Joey’s Dad could be transitioning, while also having several male sexual partners and still being “married” to his mom. These other partners are part of the child’s family and life and should be recognized as such. Furthermore, the child is taught to obey these laws, because if society violates them, severe financial penalty will result.
The bill was introduced by Councilmember Terry Taplin, Berkeley District 2 in Berkeley City Council this week, and poised to be introduced imminently by Janani Oakland City Councilmember District 4.
These laws are trying more than just common sense. They are the deliberate attempt to try to erase Biblical Marriage, the nuclear family, and cultural history. Thankfully, there are organizations, professionals, and other people speaking out. The California Family Council is passionately opposed to any measure that affirms polyamorous relationships. Saying that, “the push by Berkeley and Oakland to formalize polyamorous families is cultural suicide,” said Greg Burt, Vice President of CFC. “History and experience have shown children thrive best in nuclear father, mother, and child families. A civilization that rejects this biblical model for family life, is hell-bent on its own destruction.”
Despite all the criticisms of the progressive Polyamorists, like the Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition, the Nuclear Family remains the strongest environment in which to raise children. At face value, the nuclear family is defined as a family group consisting of parents and their children, typically living in one home or residence. Nuclear families typically center on a married couple which may have any number of children, with the head of the family classically being a patriarchal position.
The idea of the Nuclear Family isn’t new or unique to the United States. Historically the nuclear family has been the leading familial structure of cultures across the Globe. And for good reason. It provides consistency for children, leads to positive behaviors, more opportunity for children, accomplishments in education, both mental and physical health benefits for children and their parents, better communication and problem-solving skills, and a strong connection to the family as one ages. “Ancient Rome, Greece, and China, while geographically and culturally distinct, showcased early instances of nuclear family units within their respective societies, laying the foundation for future generations.” All had patriarchal families. In China, family harmony and the nuclear family were illustrated in Confucianism. Furthermore, the nuclear family is Biblical.
A man and a woman would form a “one-flesh” union through marriage (Genesis 2:24) and they with their children become a family, the essential building block of human society. The importance of family can be seen in the provisions of the Mosaic covenant. Two of the Ten Commandments deal with maintaining the cohesiveness of the family.
History has challenged the Nuclear Family advocating for more inclusive and diverse family structures and roles, but common sense, and upholding the purity of marriage have prevailed until now. For example, the rise of feminism questioned gender roles within the family, advocating for women’s rights, equality, and opportunities. But, even with women in the workforce, precedent was put on the benefit of our children. The LGBTQ+ rights movement brought forth discussions on same-sex families, challenging the heteronormative definition of the nuclear family. Homosexual marriage was just a steppingstone on the pathway to degrade the sanctity of marriage. Within a nuclear family, roles and responsibilities are often clearly defined. Within a polyamorous family the roles are skewed, confusing, and demeaning. Traditionally, parents are seen as providers and protectors, while children are nurtured and guided towards adulthood. This is the goal of the nuclear family. The polyamorous family look at the needs of the parents first, promoting promiscuity and using the “village” model to raise children.
Where the monogamy of marriage is based on soulful love, commitment, sacrifice, selflessness, and security, Polyamory is based on sexual love, conveniences, adventure, and a selfish “swinging” lifestyle void of substance but based on pleasure. Polyamory is everywhere in media, interviews with sex therapists and psychologists and polyamorists themselves – all promoting the laws. Ashley McGuire form Them Before US, covered this media frenzy in a piece for The Institute for Family Studies, accurately labeling the media’s advocacy for polyamory as “cultural and emotional malpractice.” Polyamory is adult satisfaction above children’s welfare. The absurdity that people may be penalized for violation of laws protecting polyamory is ludicrous and destructive to our civilization.
Brittany Stewart, an accomplished writer and educator, draws inspiration from her 23-year marriage and upbringing near Lake Tahoe in Verdi, Nevada, now residing in Tucson, Arizona. With her Bachelor’s degree in Education, emphasizing Native American Literature and Journalism, Brittany is a multifaceted professional who is also a Licensed Massage Therapist. She is deeply involved in Tucson’s homeschooling community, leading a homeschool group, teaching dance, and offering art classes. She and her family have a homestead in Southern Arizona, where her husband hunts and she tends to the garden, emphasizing the importance of God and family in her life while continually seeking adventure through her travels.