The artistic director at California's largest nonprofit musical theatre company has resigned amid protests over his donation to a campaign to ban gay marriage in the state.
Scott Eckern stepped down from his job at the California Musical Theater in Sacramento after some gay activists called for a theatre boycott.
He said he is leaving "after prayerful consideration to protect the organization and to help the healing in the local theatregoing and creative community."
Eckern said he "chose to act upon my belief that the traditional definition of marriage should be preserved" but had no idea his contribution would generate such controversy.
He said his sister is a lesbian in a domestic partnership, which he understands to carry the same legal rights as marriage.
The boycott calls - led by artists including Hairspray composer Marc Shaiman - began after activists learned Eckern contributed US$1,000 ($NZ1,780) to the Yes on 8 campaign.
Last week, voters approved Proposition 8, which changes the constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
Lisa West, regional spokeswoman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said Eckern is a member "in very good standing" and the Mormon church supports his decision to resign.
The theatre company, Sacramento's oldest arts organization, said it is not involved in political issues but doesn't interfere with employees' rights to express their views.
The company issued a statement thanking Eckern for his 25 years of service. Eckern was the company's chief operating officer and its artistic director since 2002. The company produces Sacramento's annual Music Circus and plays at Broadway Sacramento and the newly opened Cosmopolitan Cabaret.
