Statement of the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce on the Manny Pacquiao debacle.
In light of professional boxer, celebrity endorser, and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao’s incendiary statement against same sex-marriage, we, the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, would like to state that as much as we stand for freedom of expression and religion, we are firm on upholding the dignity of Filipino LGBTs.
As we have highlighted previously, it is clear that emerging countries which provide more rights to LGBTs are more economically progressive. We firmly declare that the right to love is a basic human right that we should not deprive from consenting adults.
And as we stress that the separation of Church and State is in our Constitution, we also would like to add that love and kindness are hallmarks of religious faith.
There is clear science to this which Mr. Pacquiao should understand. Experts agree that homosexuality exists not just among humans, but in 1,500 animal species. We strongly advise that he consult the scientific & LGBT community so that he may be enlightened further on these sensitive issues.
These are matters not to be taken lightly. If we are to move forward as a society and a country, we need to have leaders who will ensure that we protect and respect the rights of every citizen.
The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce challenges Mr. Pacquiao to educate himself—just as we challenged the presidential and senatorial candidates to educate themselves in our recently-organized #LGBTVotePH.
The candidates of this coming elections owe us — the LGBT voters, business owners, professionals, taxpayers, and citizens who contribute to the improvement of society — the rights we deserve to be happy, productive, and respected Filipinos.
