The law's role in defining, framing and authorizing intimate and familial relations is sometimes underestimated or overlooked in our society. We often don't think of the more subtle presence of lawin shaping andnormalizing particular types of relationships.

This week we talk about this, in part, by discussing the legal challenges around "family structures" in Canada. In particular, we talk about the challenges offered by "same-sex marriage", polygamous and polyamorous relationships, and the expanding definition of "legal parents", etc.

Drawing on any of the materials for the week (or even from the attached article about a 2018 case) discuss either the challenge presented bypolygamyorthe expansion of legal parentage beyond two parents.

On what grounds can law prevent the redefinition or transformation of "traditional family structures"? Why do we continue to place value on such structures? What is the law's main "job" when it comes to "the family" in Canada?

article link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/polyamourous-relationship-three-parents-1.4706560