The Gingrich Question: Cheating vs. Open Marriage According to one of his ex-wives, Newt Gingrich advocated open marriage as an alternative to monogamy or illicit sex. Of course, this was after he had strayed. Still, if her account is true, was he onto something? If more people considered such openness an option, would marriage become a stronger institution - less susceptible to cheating and divorce, and more attractive than unmarried cohabitation?