San Diego Union-Tribune columnist James O. Goldsborough’s recent article, “A Visit to Mormon Country,” is mean spirited, bloated with errors, and unworthy of the Union-Tribune. Such falsehoods should never have been published about any race or religion. Substitute the words "Jews" or "African Americans" and see how the article reads.
At this time when the nation memorializes the events of September 11 and celebrates the unity of a diverse America, this article exhibits intolerance and prejudice. So we wonder, why did the Union-Tribune publish something like this about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has more than 750,000 members in California?
The comments about Mormon women are insulting, misogynistic, and demeaning. The claim that “Mormon women are relentless breeders” is also unfounded. The Utah fertility rate is 2.37, compared to the U.S. rate of 2.1. Hardly relentless. Goldsborough’s characterization perpetuates myths and is a lazy substitute for research.
Not only did the Church “drop polygamy,” but its official opposition to plural marriage also includes excommunicating any member who practices it.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the State of Utah deserve an apology, and readers of the Union-Tribune deserve better reporting.
Mark N. Tuttle
Director, Public Relations
Public Affairs Department