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Swiss Consider Legalizing Incest

Not a bad idea, says Columbia prof's lawyer

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2010 3:51 AM CST

(Newser) – The Swiss parliament has drafted a law that would allow parents to have sex with their children or siblings to have sex with each other, provided everybody involved is a consenting adult. "First-degree" incest is already legal in countries including France and Russia, but the Swiss measure hasn't won widespread support, with conservative lawmakers labeling it "completely repugnant," and polls showing a clear majority of the public in opposition.

A lawyer for David Epstein, the Columbia University professor accused of having an incestuous relationship with his adult daughter, says that while people are right to be morally opposed to incest, the Swiss bill to tolerate "what goes on privately in bedrooms" has merit. "It's OK for homosexuals to do whatever they want in their own home," he tells ABC News. "How is this so different? We have to figure out why some behavior is tolerated and some is not."

If the Swiss parliament approves the measure, it will be put to a nationwide vote.
If the Swiss parliament approves the measure, it will be put to a nationwide vote.   (?Flooffy)
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It is still a social taboo and the ick factor is much stronger than the criminal factor.
- Joanna L. Grossman, a professor
of family law at Hofstra University

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My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
6%
14%
7%
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54%
4%
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 30 comments
Roger_NC28716
Dec 22, 2010 1:37 AM CST
Why do all these things read like Revelations? Don't enough perversions thrive in dark places without the need for government sanctification? I figured homosexual marriage would open the door to incestuous and multiple marriage, but this depth of corruption makes the effort to prevent child sex slavery and abuses seem fruitless against such defective creatures. It will be as in the days of Noah - check!
drgergrtdef
Dec 21, 2010 6:07 PM CST
Relativism has rendered people literally incapable of telling right from wrong, almost any kind of moral judgment now is discriminatory or interfering in the 'rights' of consenting adults. With no unifying code for social cohesivness society devolves into a rudderless amorphous blob of competing subcultures & rights groups squabbling for power at the expense of the whole. People dont want to be held to standards or judged for their lack of character so they invert the very value system we use to measure such things (too patriarchal, too racist,too discriminatory) & deem it progress, tarring anyone who objects as religous bigots or fascists. They level off everyone to their own level through copious amounts social engineering & call it equality. Look at all the answers here even arguing that adults are entitled to incestuous actions- truly a priceless snapshot of jaded moderns & their warped thought process.
MarkFL
Dec 17, 2010 3:34 AM CST
I can see cousins and siblings... maybe... but parents??? I think the state has a compelling interest in making that illegal. I am sure that it is illegal there for anyone in a position of power to use their position to manipulate others for sex. I am sure that bosses, teachers, police officers etc. can get in big trouble for abusing their authority in a sexual way. well, the parent child relationship is the ultimate position of power (regardless of age). That should definitely be illegal everywhere. That is rape, pure and simple. I am getting grossed out writing this so I will say no more.

 
Switzerland • incest • David Epstein

 
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