No they aren't, any politician promoting polygamy and homosexual marriage would not be a conservative, and any libertarian wanting to forbid them would not be a libertarian.
“No they aren’t, any politician promoting polygamy and homosexual marriage would not be a conservative, and any libertarian wanting to forbid them would not be a libertarian.”
To not desire to put the law against something, is not, on an individua basis, a desire to “promote or advocate” something as morally right, or what one ought to do.
For example: The law permits people to smoke cigarettes. I think it is not only bad for their health but morally wrong, but I oppose the law making all cigarette smoking illegal. That is not a postion that seeks to promote or advocate smoking. It is a position that respects limits to the law, if Liberty is to be protected - i.e. Libertarian.
It's a question of what it the government's responsibility. The question is this: Is it the government's job to legislate morality and moreover can it? As a Bible believer I have no doubt that both polygamy and sodomy are wrong; and I think politicians in favor of either do not posses the moral fiber to be a good leader. I do however wonder at the effectiveness of laws against both, do they really change anyone’s behavior?
The underlying moral problem is not decided in government,but the hearts of men. If our laws are a reflection of our society then changing the laws and polishing the mirror won't cleanse society. If you read the Bible and believe as many do that we are in the last days then you know the world is in a time apostasy and that man “as in the days of Noah,” “did that which was right in his own eyes.” Matthew 24:37,
Laws aren't going to stop that change. Certainly I can personally oppose it and stand against it without forbidding other from sinning.
The same is true of the other erstwhile point of contention: drug policy. Does the federal government's anti-drug policy actually cut down on drug use, are the federal laws a violation of states rights? The libertarian in me will be cynically laughing if the Supreme Court uses the federal drug law cases as precedence to shove Obamacare down our throats.
I find it a complex and fascinating issue. I'm no full fledged Proudhon following Anarchist; I do however think conservatives should think long and hard before they suggest a big government solution to any problem.