Don't mention religion

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Re "Ben McAdams: Senator has proven skills" (Our View, Oct. 29):

Asserting, as The Tribune editorial board did in its endorsement, that Ben McAdams' Latter-day Saint membership "does matter" in Utah or Salt Lake County is a gross violation of the public trust in our democracy.

It may in fact matter to certain voters whether a candidate is white, Catholic, Jewish or some other demographic, but it is inappropriate and reckless for The Tribune to incorporate local prejudices into a political endorsement.

During the past 30 years, Utah and Salt Lake County have come a long way in religious tolerance. You took us back 20 years or more with your thoughtless comment. McAdams and your readers deserve an apology.

Michael O'Brien

Park City