The irony of LDS Apostle Dallin H. Oaks' statement comparing the recent backlash against supporters of California's anti-gay marriage Proposition 8 to the intimidation of anti-Jim Crow activists is absolutely staggering ("Is Oaks right? Yes and no," Tribune , Oct. 24). Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were active and vocal opponents of desegregation, interracial marriage and racial equality, claiming then, just as they are now, that their sacred religious traditions were under attack, that these changes would be against natural and religious law, and that the rights in question should not be considered rights at all.

Not only has Oaks forgotten the recent history of his own church, he has also forgotten the legal history of this state. Even though interracial marriage was made legal in Utah in 1963, the government never once infringed on the LDS Church's right to refuse to marry interracial couples in their temples or to preach in favor of racial segregation in the subsequent 15 years until its doctrine was changed in 1978. Similarly, no one will force gay marriage on the Mormons.

Samantha Borstadt

Salt Lake City