Manny “Pacman” Pacquaio’s stand regarding same sex marriage is one of the hottest topics on the internet now.
In what has now become a controversial interview, Pacman said in essence that homosexual behavior is unnatural, even among animals. He said that if the union is either male to male or female to female, “mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao” (man is worse than animals).
In today’s world, one cannot make pronouncements like that and remain unnoticed. One is bound to be condemned not only by the gay community but by civil rights advocates here and abroad. This is exactly what happened to the Philippines’ most prominent athlete.
Celebrities such as Vice Ganda, John Lapus, and Aiza Seguerra have already given their views on the matter. All of them have denounced Pacman’s statements. Politicians like Sherwin Gatchalian, Senator Tito Sotto, and Neri Colmenares also disagreed with what Pacman said.
Just a few hours ago, Broadway star Lea Salonga weighed in on the issue by tweeting a very popular quote which has been circulating on the net for a long time. She posted the phrase “Homosexuality is found in over 45 species. Homophobia is found in only one. Which one seems unnatural now?” Lea prefaced it with, “I’m just going to leave this right here…”
Lea’s tweet made a powerful impact among netizens, in view of the highly controversial statements made by Pacman regarding homosexuality.
I'm just going to leave this right here… pic.twitter.com/4eDGh3cX0V
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) February 16, 2016
Many of Lea’s followers agreed with the phrase and thanked Lea for the compelling and timely message in her tweet.
Pacman has already issued a public apology on social media hours after Lea’s tweet. He apologized for “hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals.” He said it was a mistake on his part and that he’s not condemning the LGBT. However, he made it clear that he is still against same sex marriage “because of what the Bible says.”
Some of those who criticized Pacman for his scathing words on homosexuality accepted his apology already but Lea has not said anything yet.