Pacquiao Delivers Blow to Gay Marriage Supporters

June 08, 2012 from LinkAsia

When Manny Pacquiao, the Philippines' most famous athlete and most famous politician, recently came out against gay marriage, it predictably elicited a massive response. Contributor Noel Tarrazona reports on Filipino reactions to Manny's stance.

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Thuy Vu:
You know what else brings in a lot of money? Championship boxing. World boxing champ Manny Pacquiao is a symbol of unity and pride among Filipinos. There's plenty to be proud about. Pacquiao is the only boxer to have won championships in eight different divisions. But his position against same-sex marriage has become a subject of criticism among social media users in the Philippines and in the US. Our contributor Noel Tarrazona has more.

Noel Tarrazona:
Pacquiao is not just a sports hero. He is also a member of the national legislature. So, his comments carry even more weight.

Manny Pacquiao:
He asked me about, if I'm in favor of Obama promoting gay marriage. Like I said, I do not favor same-sex marriage.

Noel Tarrazona:
For many netizens in this Christian and conservative nation, Pacquiao's stand against gay marriage is applauded. Some Filipino netizens agree with the world boxing champion, and they appeal to gay and lesbian communities, here called "third sex," to let Pacquiao be.

One YouTube user comment read:
"My appeal to the third sex community is do not condemn Manny Pacquiao's position on same sex marriages...it's not your fault you were born that way..."

Another says it's a freedom of speech issue:
"...just like Manny Pacquiao, I believe in God, so same-sex marriage is absurd, and Obama is anti-Christ!"

However, not all agree with the People's Champ:
"Hey, Manny, your announcement against same-sex marriages has badly affected the image of our country. True, you have been winning in bouts, but that doesn't mean you are at the top and free to say anything."

Pacquiano's main rival is Floyd Mayweather. In a tweet in mid-May, Mayweather came out foresquare for gay marriage, adding he supported President Obama, apparently trying to play a patriotic card.

In June 9, Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to fight against undefeated boxing champion Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas. In general Filipino fans hope same-sex marriage controversy will not adversely affect his focus.

In Mindanao, Philippines, this is Noel Tarrazona for LinkAsia.

Thuy Vu:
What are Pacquiao's odds of winning? The Las Vegas bookies make Pacquiao out to be a 4-to-1 favorite. That’s our show for this week. For LinkAsia, I’m Thuy Vu.

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