The persecution that early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endured included tarring and feathering, rape, murder and being burned out of their homes. To compare the LDS Church's support of the California marriage amendment to this kind of persecution is at best woeful ignorance, at worst insidious demagoguery, and it horrendously warps what is happening ("Denying human rights," Forum, July 4).

The church is accused of participating in the political arena, where it has no business. The First Amendment that assures free speech to all citizens includes religious organizations. They have as much right to participate in the public debate as anyone. The LDS Church becomes involved in the public debate only when it views the issue as having a strong moral component.

The LDS Church opposes altering the legal definition of marriage. It strongly feels that the change carries unforeseen consequences that will damage society. This is what the church is speaking out against, and the Constitution guarantees it that right. The LDS Church is not targeting individuals for persecution, regardless of what its opponents would have one believe.

Colby Rytting

Murray