It is interesting.
Authorities break ground for new LDS temple in Payson
Following his remarks and the closing exercises, Oaks invited the four general authorities in attendance to shovel a scoop of dirt from the shallow trench, followed by the 26 stake presidents in the Payson Utah Temple District, then local government officials, and lastly, any 12-year-old ordained deacons.
Oaks noted that he purposefully excluded women from the ceremonial shoveling out of respect for them because of the muddy conditions in front of the podium. He didn't want their shoes to get soiled.
If you go to the article you will notice that the men are standing on a strip of fake grass to keep their shoes from becoming dirty.
One also notes that Oaks asked that any 12 year old BOYS be actual ordained deacons. This makes it sound like the ceremony is actually a priesthood ritual and that the women would naturally be excluded on that basis alone. Although, local government officials were included and I wouldn't assume they are all male priesthood holders (don't know how to find out that information).
Comments?