Steve Young sidesteps political football over Prop. 8

By the Mercury News

Article Last Updated: 11/01/2008 08:38:06 AM PDT


Click photo to enlargeSteve Young's wife issued a statement early today, saying the... (Jim Gensheimer / Mercury News)«1234»
ELECTION 2008: Endorsements | Voter guide | Contra Costa County | Alameda County | More Steve Young's wife issued a statement early today, saying the Hall of Fame quarterback is not involved in the campaign against Proposition 8.

Television and newspaper reports Friday linked the former 49er to the ballot measure because of yard signs in front of their Palo Alto home urging citizens to vote no on the proposition that would ban same-sex marriage in California. Barbara Young also has donated nearly $50,000 to defeat the measure.

Steve Young is a prominent Mormon, and the Mormon Church has donated money to the "Yes on 8" campaign and urged the state's Mormons to support the proposition.

"I am very passionate about this issue and Steve is completely supportive of me and my work for eqaulity," Barbara Young said in a statement to the Mercury News after midnight. "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."

Steve Young declined to comment when approached by KPIX-TV, which reported the story.

Barbara Young had sent a statement earlier Friday through the gay-rights group Equality California, saying: "We believe all families matter, and we do not believe in discrimination, therefore, our family will vote against Prop. 8."