Yes, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns a block of Main Street, and it can regulate what happens on its property. But it makes me furious when it releases a smug, equal-sounding statement that says a kissing gay couple was "asked to stop engaging in inappropriate behavior just as any other couple would have been" ("Gay couple cited, cuffed after kiss near LDS temple" Tribune , July 11). What? Not any other heterosexual couple! Cross the plaza any day and see dozens of unhindered, hand-holding, straight lovebirds cooing. If the LDS Church banned black or racially mixed couples from public displays of affection, there would be justified public outrage. Ditto for gays.

It would be one thing if Temple Square were just for Mormons, but when the LDS Church goes so out of its way to make that space welcome to the world, and then says, "Well, we mean everyone's welcome but you ," that's just bigotry. A bigot is "a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group with hatred and intolerance." What else is this incident but intolerance of gays?

Leo Nemeth

Salt Lake City