RE “ATTACKS on Romney’s religion are deeply offensive’’ (Editorial, Oct. 12): You write that Mormonism stresses, among other things, “the collective advancement of American society.’’ Did the Mormons show an interest in advancing our society when they obnoxiously, and decisively, injected themselves into California’s political tumult three years ago to make sure homosexuals were duly punished for their supposed sins during the notorious Proposition 8 campaign?
Mormons are quick to brand any criticism of their beliefs as religious bigotry, but it was the height of bigotry for them to wage such an anti-gay crusade in opposition to same-sex marriage. They had no business doing so.
The history of the Mormon church in regard to homosexuality, race relations, and the treatment of women shows that, far from being a force for societal advancement, Mormonism has often stood in the way of desperately needed social change. In your zeal to defend the right of Mormons or anyone else to believe whatever they want, you lump principled critics in with the likes of an evangelical preacher who has ties to Texas Governor Rick Perry, denying us the opportunity to hold accountable those whose highly touted so-called values continue to inflict needless suffering on others.
Bryan L. Tucker
Jamaica Plain