MARRIAGE

The convention of "marriage" is most unconventional, as reflected in diverse cultures around the world now or heretofore. Example: Take the antebellum slave "marriages" where either 'spouse' or their issue was subject to sale. These relations were those from which most African Americans sprang; were no less acceptable in the sight of God, or the realm of culture of that time and place, and their offspring no less human, valued, vibrant, righteous, than any others, anywhere, who observed those elaborate state-sanctioned ceremonies or rituals, which today conform to acceptable custom.