Underground Partnership?

Earlier today, the whole world was alarmed by a horrendously offensive statement that the People's Champ Manny Pacquiao alledgedly declared in an interview. It was said that, quoting a Bible verse, Manny would want homosexuals to be put to death since they are an abomination to the society. A huge number of netizens reacted negatively towards this declaration most especially the members of the LGBT community, of course. I personally got furious having read the news online. He was talking about killing people, for the love of God. Hitler, anyone?

It was also reported that due to this homophobic statement, some of Manny's public exposure was sacrificed, most reportedly the show at the Grove and Extra, an interview with Mario Lopez. In addition, there was also a petition made by an American LGBT organization for Nike to sever sponsorship ties with the boxer.

However, this evening, a friend told me that it was all a huge misunderstanding. Apparently, the writer of this released news misquoted Manny using the Bible verse in reference to his disagreement with United States President Barrack Obama's support for same-sex marriage and the marriage itself. In contrast with the published news articles in the internet and other forms of medias, Manny did not actually say he wanted homosexuals to be "put to death." According to the local evening news, he wouldn't want to say this because he has a relative who is gay, not to mention gay friends, supporters and fans. He was just against marriage between the same sex.

If this is indeed true that Manny have not released such a statement and that he was just misinterpreted, then the writer is in big trouble. And I mean really big. This news has made a tremendously huge negative impact on Manny's reputation as a public figure. I mean, the WHOLE world heard and reacted to this news. A lot of people and organizations were enraged with the statement. I can't even help but think if Manny just made the follow-up news as an alibi to have a scapegoat having realized that there's already a growing rust in his image.

With regards to Manny's opposition with same-sex marriage, I couldn't help but share my thoughts about this issue. Despite the enormous contradiction from the conservatives and others, I am still happy that these kinds of social adjustments are already taking place. Currently, there are already more than 20 countries around the world that allow same-sex unions. Many may think that it is ridiculous for people of the same sex to get married. Perhaps. But there is certainly more consideration to be done with this issue than what people only conceive and judge from its initial function.

Generally speaking, people will think couples get married because they want to, they want to make a family and live together for the rest of their lives. These are not just the main reasons why couples marry. Homosexuals have long been seeking for equality. Equal rights and fair treatment are some of what the gay people are aiming for in every society. They get married not just because they want to but also because if they are given the legal right to do so, this is one significant way for them to know that they are being treated equally and will be able to enjoy the same social privileges and benefits as what other straight couples do. They deserve that. Gay people are also a part of the society and most importantly, they likewise contribute to its betterment.

I know a lot of people will disagree with this because as Christians, we believe that the Holy Matrimony is only for a man and a woman. That is true, but what if the union isn't necessarily a Holy Matrimony? What if it's a different kind of union (assuming that it is allowed by the civil laws), a formal event and acknowledgement between a couple? Will the conservatives still object? Not everyone in this planet are religious, after all.

I really wonder why many straight people strongly object with these cultural changes. Some even go to the trouble of really making measures on how to annihilate homosexuals, much less to endlessly criticize them. As if they'll be in deep shit if gay couples around the world start getting married legally. As if they're perfect beings to disallow what seems to be a faculty of happiness for the gay community.

I just hope there comes a time when everyone in this world will even laugh as to why all this has once became an issue.