The last time I can remember was the party platform from 1856 when they called Slavery one of the twin relics of barbarism: http://www.ushistory.org/gop/convention_1856republicanplatform.htm but since then? uh.... well.... REGAN! (or something)Resolved: That the Constitution confers upon Congress sovereign powers over the Territories of the United States for their government; and that in the exercise of this power, it is both the right and the imperative duty of Congress to prohibit in the Territories those twin relics of barbarism — Polygamy, and Slavery.
Is that really what it was, or were there other sects that practiced polygamy at the time? I only ask because no matter what your feeling about polygamy, the scales involved in slavery and polygamy at that time weren't really comparable. It's interesting that those two 'relics' were considered on the same level for the purposes of the platform.
agreed. I don't know of many other sects that were practicing the multi-spouse thing. I don't think many - at least not in the numbers that the mormons were. Certainly slavery seems to be FAR more important than polygamy... but there's one of the many reasons why I'm no longer a registered republican (I'm not convinced that I was a real one to begin with): Rarely are the issues they focus on, actually issues that belong at the forefront. Slavery? you betcha. Polygamy? Abortion? Opposing Gay Marriage? uh.... I think you've got better things to do.