Re "Christian concert in Draper on again despite lawsuit threat" (Tribune, July 19):

Draper Mayor Troy Walker says he and the City Council "don't feel like we're promoting a religion" when they booked and plunked down a $21,500 deposit for Christian artist Michael W. Smith's concert, "Wonder, Worship and Glory." Hmm … that sounds like exactly what they're doing.

Last Thursday, according to The Trib review, at the Red Butte Garden, Steve Martin sang "Atheists Don't Have No Songs." If Martin turned that into an atheist-themed concert, I can't imagine Mormon-populated Draper City plunking down a deposit for it.

The best way for government to be neutral when it comes to religion is to leave it alone. It would have been another thing entirely if a private promoter had rented the Draper Amphitheater and sponsored the concert.

If government-sponsored Pioneer Day celebrations are going to be religious events, then the day should not be a state holiday.

Richard Idnani

Salt Lake City