Mitt Romney was correct to brand controversial evangelical leader Robert Jeffress a "religious bigot," The Salt Lake Tribune said in an editorial published Thursday.
"[It] is correct and bold. Robert Jeffress is a bigot," the newspaper said.
"Jeffress has specifically called out Mormonism, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism as false faiths that will lead their followers away from God. He called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 'a cult.'
"The First Amendment's guarantees of freedom of religion and freedom of speech mean that Jeffress is free to spout his feelings anywhere and any time he can round up an audience. They also mean that Romney can call him out on it."
Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts and two-time GOP presidential candidate now running for U.S. Senate in Utah, made the remark about Jeffress earlier this month as he blasted the decision to have the pastor give a blessing at the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.