THE DECEASED WIFE’S SISTER BILL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4494, 14 August 1875, Page 2

THE DECEASED WIFE’S SISTER BILL.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —Will you allow me a few words on the Deceased Wife’s Sister Bill. 1. Those who are in favor of the Bill say that Leviticus xviii. 18 permits such marriages. But the interpretation of the verse is doubtful. Many, as evidently the English translators, hold that polygamy may only be forbidden. It is certain, however, that the rest of the chapter forbids marriages of affinity. I would interpret this single verse by the certain meaning of the other verses, and hold therefore that it does not permit such marriages. 2. It is well known that there was no demand for such a law until those who had broken the English law began to agitate, that the consequences of their illegality might be removed. No one would argue that, because a section of the community are thieves the laws against theft should be repealed.

3. Such marriages are illegal in England. It is not well, in such an important matter, that that should be declared lawful here which would be unlawful there. If persons, married here under such a law’, went to reside in England, a child born in England would be illegitimate. And I believe no one would say that a child born here of such a marriage could inherit English property in the father’s name. Such a child would be for English property an illegitimate child. I have reason to believe that a strong feeling has set in against the change of the law in England, possibly from the strong speeches against the change of two successive Lord High Chancellors. 4. Many who desire that it should be lawful for a man to marry his wife’s sister do not desire that it should be law’ful for a woman to marry her husband's brother. They shrink from such unions, and I know that many ladies shrink also from this proposed change.—l am, &c., A. Stock. Wellington, August 13.