diff --git a/common/content/hints.js b/common/content/hints.js
index 5ae1e892..cdc90dfb 100644
--- a/common/content/hints.js
+++ b/common/content/hints.js
@@ -86,7 +86,13 @@ function Hints() //{{{
     // Used to open multiple hints
     function hintSequenceElement(elem)
     {
-        buffer.followLink(elem, liberator.NEW_BACKGROUND_TAB);
+        // Want to always open sequence hints in background
+        // (remember: NEW_BACKGROUND_TAB and NEW_TAB semantics assume
+        //            that loadInBackground=true)
+        if (options.getPref("browser.tabs.loadInBackground"))
+            buffer.followLink(elem, liberator.NEW_BACKGROUND_TAB);
+        else
+            buffer.followLink(elem, liberator.NEW_TAB);
 
         // Move to next element in sequence
         // TODO: Maybe we find a *simple* way to keep the hints displayed rather than