Ethical Non-monogamy and Legal Rights

On this episode, Dr. Heath Schechinger and Diana Adams, Esq. shed light on the current legal and political landscape for polyamorous individuals and non-traditional families. As advocates for relationship structure diversity, both guests share their insights on the challenges faced by polyamorous people and the progress being made in achieving legal rights for these families.

Welcome Diana and Heath!

Heath and Diana discuss the progress that has been made in achieving certain rights for polyamorous individuals and families. Notably, the first plural domestic partnership and non-discrimination ordinances have been passed, recognizing the need to redefine what constitutes a modern family.

While significant progress has been made, there is still work to be done. The rights that have already been achieved, such as domestic partnerships, allow individuals to be married to one person and domestically partnered to another. However, concerns persist regarding child custody cases and subjective standards. Advocacy efforts are ongoing to ensure non-traditional families receive equal legal recognition and protection.

Throughout this episode, Heath and Diana discuss the following points:

• The work they’ve been doing on passing legal rights for polyamorous people, such as what it consists of and where the current legal landscape stands on non-monogamous relationships and legal protections.

• The rights non-monogamous people are currently actively fighting for.

• What they see as the future of the modern families/polyamorous legal rights movement.

• Coming out and why they think it’s important to do if one has adequate privilege and feels safe to do so.

Sharing is caring

Both Heath and Diana stress the importance of coming out and sharing one's relationship structure with others. By coming out, polyamorous individuals can challenge stereotypes, create awareness, and foster understanding among their friends, families, and communities. Coming out also plays a role in the larger social and legal acceptance of diverse family structures.

Additionally, it’s vital to engage in discussions with individuals holding different beliefs and perspectives. The concept of inter-group contact theory suggests that exposure to marginalized groups helps foster understanding and empathy. While navigating political divides may be challenging, open dialogue can contribute to progress and social acceptance.

Find Heath on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn at @DrSchechinger, and Diana at @DianaAdamsEsq on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Diana’s law firm, the Chosen Family Law Center, is also on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.