Okami -

Lmao! I think you hit the nail on the head there. One of the biggest differences is the translation to 'love' instead of 'marriage.' Most polygamists I hear of are in closed marriages with many people. In these, the men tend to be free to marry other women whereas the women are bound to one man. Although there are some cases of polyandry (women marrying multiple men), it's not common. Usually marriage does not take place in polyamorous relationships. Men and women are equally open to pursuing outside relationships. This is done consensually so would not be considered cheating.

I'm not entirely sure what there is to legalize. I think there's a bigger problem with polyamory not being widely known about and accepted. However, I don't think it's nearly as big of an issue as lack of gay and transsexual rights. (Btw, I agree with Koi's boss that trans issues should be the next big thing.) I suppose some would vie for the allowance of open marriages, but I don't really think this is a good idea for a variety of reasons - some of which I mentioned in my last post.

Another difference between polygamy and polyamory is that polygamy, in practice, is almost always associated with religious values. Polyamory, in practice, is usually not. I have also never heard of human rights abuses associated with polyamory, so I can see why people would feel a need to differentiate between the two. A lot of recent polygamy in America also involves pedophilia - older men marry girls under the age of 14 in some instances. The girls have very little to no say in the matter. It's very sad. They also heavily abuse the system. Since their marriages are not legal all children are technically considered to be born out of wedlock. They get a lot of government assistance as a result. Your tax dollars at work. :/