Consider what it's like to be Steve Young.

He's one of the most popular celebrities in northern California, thanks to his success as quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. He's also probably the most recognizable Mormon in California - and possibly the most recognizable Mormon anywhere who's not an Osmond.

Now consider when those worlds - his California popularity and his Mormon faith - collide. That's what's happened with the battle over Proposition 8, in which California voters will decide whether to amend the state's constitution to ban same-sex marriage (which is currently legal there).

Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints support Prop. 8, and have encouraged church members to donate money and time to pass it. And Steve Young is not just any member of the Mormon Church, but the direct descendant of the church's legendary president and prophet Brigham Young.

Over the weekend, word got out that a "No on 8" sign was posted in Young's front lawn at his home in Palo Alto, Calif. Young's wife Barbara sent an e-mail to Equality California, a gay-rights group, which read in part, "We believe all families matter, and we do not believe in discrimination, therefore, our family will vote against Prop. 8."

Mrs. Young further clarified her position and her husband's: "I am very passionate about this issue and Steve is completely supportive of me and my work for equality. We both love our Church and are grateful that our Church encourages us to vote our conscience. Steve prefers not to get involved politically on any issue no matter what the cause and therefore makes no endorsement."

This caused enough of an uproar that Young issued a statement to KSL Sunday night:

"Barb and I love each other very much. It is that love of each other and the Savior that helps us come to the decisions we do. For Barb, who has a remarkable and enviable compassion for others, those political activities are far more public than mine. Those who know me, know I chose long ago not to be publicly active in the political process. I do have strong opinions. I do vote and will vote on Tuesday, but those matters are private."

In many ways, Young is caught in the same bind as many Californians and many Mormons - trapped between religious dogma and human compassion. And if anyone thinks Mormons (or Utahns) are monolithic in their support of Prop. 8, this Sunday night vigil in Salt Lake City staged by those opposed to Prop. 8 should change your mind.

Labels: LDS, politics