Japanese MP makes waves by linking same-sex marriage to revising constitution

TOKYO - A conservative ally of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for discussion on revising Japan's constitution to allow same-sex marriage, annoying colleagues in the ruling party who are against it and also opposition parliamentarians who say enacting a simple law would clear the way.

Japan's laws on LGBT rights are relatively liberal compared with those in many Asian countries, although many LGBT people still conceal their sexuality.

But couples seeking to register same-sex marriages have been rejected by local authorities because there is no law specifically recognizing it.

The constitution, never amended since it was adopted after Japan's defeat in World War 2, says: "Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife as a basis."

Amending the constitution's pacifist Article 9 to clarify the status of Japan's military is a long-held goal of Abe and his ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Revising the article is highly controversial, although it has already been stretched to allow armed forces for self-defense.

Former Education Minister Hakubun Shimomura last month floated the idea of adding same-sex marriage to a list of other potential constitutional changes.

"It is important to proceed with debate without any taboo, including of the idea that a man can marry a man and a woman can marry a woman," NHK public TV quoted him as saying at a meeting of local LDP members last month.

The LDP has said same-sex marriage was "incompatible" with the constitution and Shimomura's remark caused concern at a meeting of the party's general affairs committee this week, media reported.

"One should not lightly make comments such as revising the constitution to recognize same-sex marriage," the Asahi newspaper quoted former cabinet minister Keiji Furuya as saying.

LGBT activists including Kanako Otsuji of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) - the country's first openly LGBT lawmaker - say no amendment is needed to allow same-sex marriage because the constitution does not explicitly ban it.

They have submitted a marriage equality bill to parliament in June, but the ruling coalition has declined to debate it.

"I think the goal is to shake up the opposition," Otsuji told Reuters, referring to Shimomura's suggestion. "If they agree with same-sex marriage, they should agree with our bill."

Shimomura's office declined a request for an interview due to his tight schedule.

A survey last year showed nearly 80 percent of Japanese in their 20s to 50s favored legalizing same-sex marriage.

"The constitution did not envision same-sex marriage when it was written... but it was not prohibited," said Gon Matsunaka, head of Pride House Consortium, which promotes LGBT awareness.

"Society and the world have changed and it is the responsibility of the legislature to pass a law in line with that."

Constitutional amendments must be approved by two-thirds of the members of both houses of parliament and a majority in a public referendum. The ruling bloc has a two-thirds majority in the lower house but lacks one in the upper chamber.

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Gay marriage legal in 28 countries

PARIS - The first-ever gay civil unions in Denmark 30 years ago paved the way for full same-sex marriages that are today allowed in 28 countries, even though homosexuality remains illegal in some parts of the world.

Here is an overview.

Europe, gay marriage pioneers

On October 1, 1989, for the first time in the world, several gay couples in Denmark tied the knot in legal civil unions.

Danish homosexual couples would however have to wait until 2012 to be allowed to marry in church.

The right to a religious marriage ceremony was first allowed in The Netherlands in 2001.

Thirteen European countries followed: Belgium, Britain (although not Northern Ireland), Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

Austria allowed gay marriage from 2019.

Some countries allow only gay civil partnerships including Croatia, Cyprus, The Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland.

The Czech government has backed draft legislation that would make the country the first post-communist member of the European Union to legalize same-sex marriage, but its fate is uncertain.

Slovenia also allows civil partnerships but in 2015 rejected in a referendum a proposal to legalize gay marriage.

In 2014 Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to authorize same-sex civil unions.

In Romania a referendum aimed at enshrining a ban on gay marriage in the constitution failed in 2018 because of a low turnout.

Progress in the Americas

Canada was the first American country to authorize same-sex marriage in 2005.

In 2015 the US Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide at a time it was banned in 14 out of 50 states.

The United States' first gay marriage had actually taken place in 1971, when a Minnesota couple obtained a marriage licence thanks to an overlooked legal loophole. The marriage was officially recognized in March 2019, after a five-decade legal battle.

In Latin America five countries allow same-sex marriages: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay, joined by Ecuador in June 2019.

Mexico's federal capital authorized gay civil unions in 2007 and marriages in 2009. Half of its 32 states have followed.

Chile legalized gay civil unions in 2015.

Costa Rica's Supreme Court in 2018 ruled that a ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional and gave parliament 18 months to amend the laws.

Cuba left out of its new constitution adopted in February 2019 changes that would have paved the way for legal same-sex marriage. The definition of marriage will be left to a new Family Code which will be put to a referendum.

Taiwan, first in Asia

While much of Asia is tolerant of homosexuality, Taiwan became in May 2019 the first in the region to allow gay marriage.

In the Middle East, where homosexuality is repressed, Israel leads the way in terms of gay rights, recognizing same-sex marriages that are performed elsewhere although not allowing such unions in the country itself.

Several countries in the conservative region still have the death penalty for homosexuality, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Australia (2017) and New Zealand (2013) are the only places in the wider Asia-Pacific region to have passed gay marriage laws.

Africa: marriage in one country

South Africa is the sole nation on the African continent to allow gay marriage, which it legalized in 2006.

Around 30 African countries ban homosexuality, with Mauritania, Somalia and Sudan having the death penalty for same-sex relations.

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China seen by LGBT+ groups as years away from same-sex marriage

KUALA LUMPUR - China is at least a decade away from allowing same-sex marriages with the current priorities on introducing anti-discrimination laws, letting LGBT+ groups raise awareness without fear, and banning conversion therapy, LGBT+ campaigners said on Thursday.

Taiwan's parliament this month legalized same-sex marriage and more than 360 gay couples married on May 24 after years of debate over marriage equality that has divided the self-ruled and democratic island.

But China, which claims Taiwan as its own sacred territory and has a thriving gay scene in major cities, on Wednesday said that it would not follow Taiwan's example.

Hu Zhijun, executive director of LGBT+ advocacy PFLAG China in Guangzhou, said this came as no surprise as he did not expect China to back same-sex marriage during the next decade.

"China's current social acceptance is still relatively low - there is no broad basis for support - same-sex marriage will not be passed in a short period of time," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Socially conservative attitudes prevail across Asia, with Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore banning sexual relationships between men, while Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, has seen a spike in LGBT+ raids recently.

Thailand has drafted a civil partnership bill while Vietnam allows gay marriage ceremonies but couples do not enjoy the same legal protections as heterosexuals.

In China there are no laws against same-sex relations and there is growing awareness of LGBT+ issues but the country does not ban conversion therapy and homosexuality was listed as a mental disorder until 2001.

Doriane Lau, researcher at Amnesty International in Hong Kong, said LGBT+ communities in China had little rights protection.

"There is no law banning discrimination on grounds of sexuality and gender identities," she said.

"Conversion therapy is still commonplace. Many psychology and psychiatry textbooks still identify being LGBT as an illness that can be 'cured'."

While domestic LGBT+ groups are trying to raise awareness and work with the government, the space for them has shrunk, Lau said, with large-scale LGBT events called off and high school rainbow activities banned.

Yanzi Peng, a director at LGBT Rights Advocacy China, said institutional discrimination against LGBT+ people - through marriage laws, education policy, and media censorship - had shaped a negative attitude among LGBT+ people in China.

For political reasons, Beijing did not want to be seen as following Taiwan's lead, said Phil Robertson, deputy director for Asia at Human Rights Watch.

"While China tolerates same sex relations, it certainly does not promote LGBT rights, and sadly, does very little to counter the types of economic and social discrimination that LGBT people face on a daily basis," he added.

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Multinationals see benefits in Taiwan same-sex marriage

LONDON - Some of the world's largest companies said on Wednesday that plans to grant equal marriage to LGBT+ couples in Taiwan - the first Asian nation to do so - would boost the country's economy.

Taiwan's parliament is expected to vote by late May, a deadline set by the constitutional court when it ruled in 2017 that same-sex couples could legally wed.

Google, Airbnb, Deutsche Bank, EY, Mastercard and Microsoft have joined forces with nine other companies, including Taiwan-based O-Bank Co, to laud the benefits of same-sex weddings.

"We value diversity, inclusivity, respect, equality and non-discrimination, as well as seek to protect these values within our company and while working with our business partners," said Patrick Pan, enterprise public lead at Microsoft Taiwan.

"We do so not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it can make our company and society stronger and more successful."

Economists say the benefits of same-sex marriage include increased productivity, greater labor mobility, and less stress in the workplace over perceived discrimination.

According to 2016 research from Swiss bank Credit Suisse, the performance of a basket of 270 companies that supported LGBT+ policies was on average 3 percent higher than that of the MSCI All Country World Index, which measures global stock movements.

AN ASIAN FIRST

Taiwan is set to become the first country in Asia to allow same-sex marriage following a 2017 ruling by the country's Constitutional Court that to deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry violated the constitution.

However, Taiwanese voters rejected same-sex marriage in an advisory referendum last November, prompting concerns about whether the ruling would become law.

Under the terms of the court's judgement, lawmakers have until May 24 to pass legislation that will allow same-sex couples to wed. If the Taiwanese parliament fails to act, same-sex marriage will automatically become legal.

"Leveraging different perspectives fuels innovation, fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships," said EY's Taiwan country managing partner Andrew Fuh.

"This is why we believe that each of us has a role to play in advancing diversity and inclusion."

Taiwan's parliament is currently considering two bills offering couples differing rights ahead of the May 24 deadline.

Jennifer Lu, chief co-ordinator of Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan, said passing marriage equality would send a message to the world that "Taiwan is open for business."

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Taiwan unveils long-awaited gay marriage bill

TAIPEI - Taiwan's ruling party unveiled its latest attempt to create Asia's first gay marriage law on Thursday, a bill offering same sex-couples "permanent unions" as well as limited adoption rights, despite stiff opposition from conservatives.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has had a stuttering and troubled journey towards delivering on their 2016 election promise to grant same-sex couples equal marriage rights.

In November, conservatives won a referendum against revising the island's Civil Code to allow gay marriage, in a blow to President Tsai Ing-wen's party and a stark illustration of the social divide caused by the issue.

The referendum came after Taiwan's Constitutional Court voted to legalize gay marriage in 2017 -- the first place in Asia to do so -- arguing that denying same-sex couples marriage rights was unconstitutional.

The court ordered the government to amend the law by May 24, 2019 but did not specify how it wanted gay marriage to be brought in.

The bill published Thursday by the cabinet is the Tsai administration's attempt to square that circle -- a new law that meets the court's demands while trying to respect the referendum result by not altering the Civil Code which currently defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

The draft law released by the justice ministry proposes allowing "two persons of the same sex to create a permanent union of intimate and exclusive nature for the committed purpose of managing a life together to realize the equal protection of the freedom of marriage."

Gay couples will be allowed to adopt the biological children of their partner while both parties are financially responsible for each other and are entitled to inheritance rights.

The law is set to take effect on May 24 but needs to pass parliament, where the DPP holds a majority.

Taiwan is seen as one of the most progressive societies in Asia when it comes to gay rights, and it stages the biggest gay pride parade in Asia annually. 

Gay marriage rights receive high approval ratings among young people in particular.

But it also remains a staunchly conservative place with powerful religious lobbies especially outside urban areas, and analysts say DPP underestimated how controversial their gay marriage proposals would be. 

President Tsai openly supported the legalization of gay marriage before she was elected but has since said there needs to be more consensus in society.

If the bill is passed, it would be Asia's first gay marriage law. In December, Thailand's junta rulers proposed a similar bill but it has yet to make it to parliament in the kingdom that is currently in the midst of an election campaign. 

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California court says baker can refuse order from gay couple

LOS ANGELES - A California court has recognized a pastry chef's right to refuse to sell a wedding cake to a same-sex couple, as the Supreme Court debates a similar case with weighty implications.

A court in Bakersfield, located in a conservative region of central California, ruled in a judgement Monday night that the shop owner was able to deny baking a cake specifically for a same-sex couple.

"No baker may place their wares in public display case, open their shop, and then refuse to sell because of race, religion, gender, or gender identification," the ruling said.

But "the difference here is that the cake in question is not yet baked."

The court said to make the baker "use her talents to design and create cake she has not yet conceived with the knowledge that her work will be displayed in celebration of marital union her religion forbids" would violate the US first amendment that protects free speech.

Cathy Miller, the baker in question, said she was "so joyful" upon receiving the news, according to US media.

The couple, Eileen and Mireya Rodriguez, however deny that they wanted a special-order cake. 

They said they went in August 2017 to taste cakes for their wedding and anticipated ordering a pre-existing model without special decorations.

But after they returned with other people to the bakery Miller directed them to a competitor, Gimme Some Sugar, saying she does not approve of same-sex marriages for religious reasons.

The Supreme Court is expected to render a decision later this year in a similar case involving a Colorado baker who cited his devout Christian faith in refusing to make a wedding cake for a gay couple.

The case pitting free speech, religion and artistic freedom against anti-discrimination laws is the most significant for gay rights since the high court approved same-sex marriage two years ago.

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Australia celebrates 'day for love', allows same-sex marriage

SYDNEY - Australia became the 26th nation to legalize same-sex marriage on Thursday, prompting cheers and singing from a packed parliament public gallery in a country where some states ruled homosexual acts to be illegal until just 20 years ago.

Lawmakers, who had cast aside a conservative push to allow religious objectors to refuse service to same-sex couples, waved rainbow flags and embraced on the floor of the chamber, where earlier in the debate a politician had proposed to his same-sex partner.

Fewer than five of 150 MPs voted against the law.

"What a day. What a day for love, for equality, for respect," said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. "...It is time for more marriages."

The laws, which will also recognize same-sex marriages solemnized in foreign countries, take effect from Saturday. Because a month's notice is required for the state to recognize a marriage, the first legal same-sex unions will be in January.

Australians had overwhelmingly endorsed legalizing same-sex marriage in a postal survey run by the national statistics agency.


The bill cleared the upper house last month and had been expected to pass on Thursday after Turnbull's Liberal-National coalition government and the main opposition Labor Party had previously said they wanted to pass it by Dec. 7.

But religious organisations and conservative lawmakers had voiced strong opposition and proposed dozens of amendments.

During parliamentary debate, they pressed for broad protections for religious objectors, among them florists and bankers, to refuse service to same-sex couples.

"These amendments, rather, are a shield for people and organisations that hold to a traditional view of marriage. They are not a sword to be wielded in the service of bigotry," government MP Andrew Hastie said in parliament.

Amendments to permit lay celebrants to decline to solemnise same-sex marriages and businesses opposed to the unions to refuse service at wedding receptions were all defeated, one after the other, during three days of debate.

"Love has won, and it's time to pop the bubbly," Greens MP and same-sex marriage supporter Adam Bandt said.

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Celebrations spread after Australia backs same-sex marriage

Celebrations swept across Australia Wednesday as voters emphatically endorsed same-sex marriage after more than a decade of divisive debate, and political leaders immediately began moves to enshrine the historic shift in law by Christmas.

Thousands of marriage equality supporters took to parks and squares across the vast country, hugging, dancing and singing under clouds of glitter when the results of the two-month-long postal survey were announced.

Revelers wrapped in rainbow colors swarmed the entertainment districts of Sydney, Melbourne and other cities, closing streets as the party continued late into the evening.

"This means everything, this means everything," shouted one partygoer named Chris at a huge rally in Sydney, fighting back tears and hugging his partner Victor.

"It has been fantastic. I have been with my partner for 35 years and he was so joyed up that he burst into tears," added another reveller, Gerry Boller.

Almost 62% of the 12.7 million people who participated voted "yes" to the question: "Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?"

Just 38.4% voted "no", according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which carried out the poll.

Irish-born Qantas Airlines chief Alan Joyce, who is openly gay and campaigned strongly for the "yes" campaign, also fought back tears as he spoke of his delight.

"I was so proud of Ireland in May 2015 when they became the first nation in the world to vote for marriage equality... But today I am even more proud of Australia, the country of my selection," he said in Sydney.

Nearly 80% of eligible voters took part in the poll, with the "yes" vote winning a majority in all of Australia's states and territories.


- 'Yes for love' -


Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a moderate conservative who backed the "yes" camp, hailed the result of the non-binding vote and vowed to pass a bill legalizing marriage equality "before Christmas".

Australians "voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love", Turnbull said, adding that he had already been invited to "stacks" of gay weddings once the law takes hold.

"Now it is up to us, here in the Parliament of Australia... to get on with the job the Australian people have tasked us to do and get this done, this year, before Christmas."

Within hours of the vote result, Dean Smith, a Senator from Turnbull's Liberal Party who is gay, introduced a bill that would legalize gay marriage while allowing religious institutions and clergy to refuse to celebrate same-sex unions if they conflict with their beliefs.

Hardline opponents in Turnbull's party have pressed for more extensive religious protections to allow commercial service providers to reject same-sex weddings and let parents pull their children from school programs they feel undermine heterosexual traditions.

They have support notably from Muslim and some conservative Christian communities which returned a high percentage of "no" votes in the survey.

But Turnbull rejected those calls this week and he and the opposition Labor Party are expected to back a bill based on Smith's proposal with a "conscience vote" in the two houses of parliament.

"We will have a bill that will deliver on the instructions the Australian people have given us to change the law to allow same-sex couples to marry. That is our job. It is over to us now," he said.

A survey of federal politicians by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation published Tuesday found that 72 percent of House members and 69 percent of Senators would support the change to marriage laws.

Turnbull called the postal vote in the face of opposition from hardliners who refused to back a national plebiscite on the issue.

The move was opposed by proponents of same-sex marriage, who wanted direct legislative action.

They said the lengthy vote process was both a waste of money –- it cost just under 100 million Australian dollars ($76 million) -– and exposed gay people and their families to hate speech.

"No" campaigners said they would continue defending their cause.

"In a democracy, just because you win it doesn't mean you... bulldoze forward," said Senator Eric Abetz, a prominent "no" campaigner.

"Keep in mind there are 4.8 million of our fellow Australians that actually voted no... do we say they should no longer be heard? Or do we actually ask them questions as to how can their concerns be alleviated so we can move forward as a nation?"

But the solid margin for the "yes" vote and the high turnout looks to limit the influence of "no" campaigners.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Germany celebrates first gay marriages

BERLIN - Germany celebrates its first gay marriages Sunday as same-sex unions become legal after decades of struggle, but campaigners say the battle for equal rights isn't over yet.

Wedding bells will ring out in Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover and other German cities where local authorities will exceptionally open their doors on a Sunday to allow gay couple to say "I do" on the day the law comes into effect.

Bodo Mende, 60, and his partner Karl Kreile, 59, who have been together since 1979, will be the first to tie the knot in the German capital.

"It will be an emotional but also very symbolic moment," Kreile told reporters on Friday. "This shows that the state now considers us the same as other couples."

The dash to exchange vows comes three months after lawmakers voted to give Germany's roughly 94,000 same-sex couples the right to marry, following a shift in position by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Berlin mayor Michael Mueller congratulated the happy couples and described the first gay nuptials as a "historic event".

"Marriage for all is a milestone on the path to full legal and social equality," he said in a statement Friday, praising the gay and lesbian community and all those "who fought for many years" to get to this day.

Germany becomes the 15th European nation to legalise gay marriage.

The Netherlands led the way in 2000, followed piecemeal by other European neighbours including Spain, Sweden, Britain and France.

Same-sex relationships have become so normalised that polls show around 75 percent of Germans are in favour of gay marriage.

MERKEL'S CHANGE OF HEART

By extending existing law to same-sex pairs, Germany's gay couples automatically gain the same tax advantages and adoption rights as heterosexual families.

Along with Germany's Greens party, the gay and lesbian rights organisation LSVD began its battle for equal marriage rights around the year 1990.

But progress was slow and since 2001 gay couples have had to make do with a civil partnership law, broadened over the years to remove more and more gaps between gay and straight couples' rights.

The final breakthrough came quite suddenly in the end, sparked by Merkel's unexpected announcement in June that she would allow her conservative MPs to vote their conscience on the issue.

Merkel said her thinking changed after a "memorable experience" when she met a lesbian couple who lovingly care for eight foster children in her Baltic coast constituency.

Her surprise shift in position -- after 12 years of blockade by her Christian Democrats and their Bavarian allies -- was seen by some as a cynical ploy to rob her challengers of a popular cause ahead of this month's general election.

The chancellor herself voted against the bill, arguing that the German constitution still defines marriage as "the union of a man and a woman".

"I still think it was indecent to delay for so many years, and the fact that she voted no," lawmaker Johannes Kahrs, gay and lesbian affairs commissioner for the Social Democratic Party, told AFP.

June was a memorable month for gay rights in Germany, as MPs also voted to quash the convictions of thousands of men convicted under a Nazi-era law against same-sex relationships which had remained on the statute book until 1994.

But there are still an array of issues familiar across western democracies, like blood donations or access to reproductive medicine, where homosexuals can be treated differently.

And the constitution must still be amended to fully protect against discrimination over gender or sexual orientation, Kahrs insisted.

"These are all things that we'll tackle bit by bit," he said.

"The important thing is that we've pushed through the opening of marriage, and that's the signal everyone needed."

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Colombia court paves way for same-sex marriage

BOGOTA, Colombia - Colombia took a major step towards legalizing same-sex marriage Thursday when the constitutional court voted on the matter, in a decision hailed by the gay community.

Six of the nine court justices dismissed a petition that wanted to deny equal marriage rights for heterosexual and homosexual couples, paving the way for the mostly Catholic country to join Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil in Latin America in blazing a trail for gay marriage.

"The way is open for marriage between people of the same sex," said a source at the court, the highest in Colombia, after months of discussion.

"It's almost a fact that equal marriage will be approved, but it is not accurate to say that it is valid from today."

That will come when a court judge puts Thursday's decision in writing -- which appears merely a formality.

A previous constitutional court ruling recognized same-sex couples as families and ordered Congress to pass a law that would afford gay couples the same rights as heterosexual married couples.

But when a 2013 deadline for lawmakers passed, gay couples could by default formalize their unions before notaries and judges, although it was a gray area and the court's language was vague.

Activists in the gay community gathered outside the court in Bogota's historic center to celebrate the announcement, waving flags.

In July 2010, Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage, followed by Uruguay.

Brazil has de facto authorized same-sex marriage since May 2013.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao’s boxing career could extend after gay slurs - Analyst

MANILA - For boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino, the historic and fruitful career of issue-ridden world boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will not be ending on his so-called last match in the ring against Timothy Bradley in April.

According to Tolentino, Pacquiao might postpone his retirement this year and opt to fight a couple of “big” matches more to repair his tainted image after his strong opposition to same-sex marriage that drew jeers from the LGBT community and its supporters across the world.

“Baka ma-extend pa ang career niya [Pacquiao] dahil sa nangyaring ito. I will not be surprised if he reach out to Floyd Mayweather for rematch because he needs big fights,” Tolentino said.

He likened Pacquiao’s current situation to retiring NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, who also faced controversy in his basketball career in 2003 after being accused of rape.

Tolentino shared that Bryant also lost endorsements due to the sexual assault case but he was able to redeem himself after focusing on where he is best at: basketball. He then added that Pacquiao should focus on boxing which he does best.

“He [Bryant] kept on winning. And now, magre-retire si Kobe, everybody is respecting him. If you want to repair your image, go back to what you do best. Compete like an athlete, win the big fights,” he said. “Doon ka bumangon, kung saan ka magaling.”

However, Tolentino stressed that, boxing-wise, the anti-gay issue that Pacquiao is facing won’t overshadow what he had done in the history of professional boxing.

“He will always be our ‘Pambansang Kamao.’ I keep on telling, ‘Pacquiao is a Filipino.’ His victory is our victory. His humiliation is our humiliation.”

He believes the senatorial wannabe won’t easily lose his followers but the boxing star should initiate the mending of fences among the offended groups.

“Sapagkat kung hahayaan niyang magbatuhan ang kanyang followers, kapag ito ay naging mudslinging, lahat din tayo descended to the level of animals,” he said.

“HALF-BAKED APOLOGY”

The boxing analyst, on the other hand, said Pacquiao should not defend his statement after issuing public apology.

“There’s no use of defending it because if you keep on defending your point despite your apology, people will start doubting your apology. That is a half-baked apology. Apology is absolute, own up to your mistake,” he said.

But Tolentino also urged the Filipinos to learn how to accept apology as forgiving makes everyone human.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao respects Nike's decision, looks for new sponsor

 

Team Pacquiao now looking for new apparel sponsor

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao on Thursday addressed the controversy regarding his statements on same-sex marriage for the final time, reiterating that he has never condemned members of the LGBT community.

"Inuulit ko, hinid ko kino-condemn 'yung mga LGBT," Pacquiao said on Thursday morning in General Santos City during his training session. "Ang kino-condemn ko, I just want to clarify this, 'yung paggawa ng masama ang kino-condemn ko."

The boxer insisted that he is not worried about the impact of his controversy on his campaign for a Senate seat, even as prominent members of LGBT community have declared that they will not support him in the 2016 elections.

"Hindi man ako nababahala sa kung ano 'yong katotohanan," he said. "As I establish my leadership, you need to be firm on your own decision kung ano ang tama."

Pacquiao also said he respects the decision of sports apparel giant Nike to terminate its contract with him in the wake of his controversial statements.

Team Pacquiao is now looking for a new sponsor apparel for the boxer.

"Kung ano man 'yong decision nila, desisyon nila 'yon, nirerespeto ko at saka ang pag-sponsor nila sa akin, 'yong mga damit lang man para sa fight," he said.

In the meantime, Pacquiao said he will now focus his attention on his training for his April 9 fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. The "Pacman" has been joined by chief trainer Freddie Roach for his training camp for what will be the last fight of his career.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Nike urged to drop Pacquiao for anti-gay comments

MANILA - Gay and lesbian groups have called on voters in the Philippines to boycott boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as he bids for a Senate seat, after he described gays as "worse than animals".

An online petition is also underway asking global sportswear company Nike Inc to drop Pacquiao as an endorser. The petition on change.org has garnered more than 2,000 signatures so far.

Pacquiao, revered in the Philippines for winning world boxing titles in eight different weight classes during his 20-year career, suddenly fell from grace after a 30-second interview on local television about same-sex marriage, which he opposes.

"It's just common sense. Do you see any animals of the same sex mating? Animals are better off, they can distinguish between male and female," Pacquiao told TV5 on Monday.

"Now if men are mating with men and women with women, then they are worse than animals," he said.

This is not the first time Pacquiao, a sitting two-term congressman, had earned the ire of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community for his comments on same-sex marriage. He also apologized for his remarks in 2012.

Same-sex marriage is not allowed in the Philippines where more than 80 percent of the 100 million population is Roman Catholic.

The 37-year old congressman, among those favored to win a Senate seat at the May elections based on independent pollsters' surveys, apologised on Tuesday. Latest surveys showed him in 8th place for the race to win 12 vacant seats in the Senate.

"I'm sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I've hurt," Pacquiao said in a video message on his Twitter account. He said he remained against same-sex marriage.

That didn't stop a torrent of comments on social media lambasting Pacquiao and using the hashtags #NoToManny2016 #zerovoteformanny and #WorseThanAnimals.

"LGBT groups and individuals are saying he should not be voted into office... we are one of them," Danton Remoto, head of Philippine lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender group Ladlad, or Out, told Reuters by phone.

While the former boxer's comments offended liberal Filipinos, they could have struck a chord with more conservative voters in the staunchly Catholic country.

Local singer Aiza Seguerra, who married her actress-girlfriend partner in late 2014 in San Francisco, also called on voters to boycott Pacquiao.

"You might've done our country proud but with your statement, you just showed the whole country why we shouldn't vote for you," Seguerra said on her Instagram.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao: I’m not against gays, just their acts

MANILA -- Boxing champ and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao clarified that he has nothing personal against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

In a lengthy interview on DZMM’s "Pasada Sais Trenta" on Wednesday, Pacquiao again apologized for his controversial statements describing couples in same-sex relationships as worse than animals.

But he maintained that he opposes the idea of members of the same-sex living together and getting married as it is “detestable in the eyes of God.”

"Ang pagsasama at pagtatalik ng parehong kasarian, 'yan po ay detestable in God's sight. That's what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah, kung bakit ginunaw ng Panginoon ang Sodom and Gomorrah,” Pacquiao said.

“Ang marriage, napaka-sagrado po 'yan, importante 'yan sa mata ng Panginoon. For me you're insulting God, if you're doing that (homosexual acts).”

This doesn’t mean, however, that he is condemning homosexuals, he said, pointing out that he has a gay nephew and that he is strongly supported by the LGBT community in his constituency in Sarangani province.

“Sa totoo lang po, ang dami kong LGBT na mga scholars, more than 100-200. So ‘di ko kinokondena ang mga LGBT. ‘Yung gagawin, ‘yung [sexual] act ang ayaw na ayaw ko,” he explained.

But according to Bemz Benedito of Ladlad Partylist, Pacquiao never supported gay rights even while serving as a congressman.

In a separate interview, Benedito said the Sarangani congressman never attended committee deliberations where proposals like the Anti-Discrimination Bill were tackled.

“With all due respect to him, apat na beses lang po siyang pumasok sa Kongreso at hindi po siya uma-attend sa committee deliberations,” said Benedito. “Sana kung nandoon siya, napakinggan niya kung ano ang mga suliranin ng mga LGBT, ang daming nadidiscriminate on a day-to-day basis.”

As a result of Pacquiao’s statements, Benedito said they will also be campaigning against the boxing superstar.

“Dalawa na sa mga kaalyado natin na superstars, si Vice Ganda at si Boy Abunda, ang nagsabi na hindi po siya iboboto at i-encourage ang kanilang mga kaibigan, kapamilya,” he said.

“Ganun din po ang aming gagawin. Bababa kami sa mga provincial captain, coordinators, members. Ito po ay ica-cascade namin na dapat, knockdown na sa aming mga balota, hindi na po dapat suportahan. Ikakampanya din namin po saaming mga pamilya, mga kaibigan dahil masyado na pong naging masakit ang mga statements niya,” he continued.

Despite the threat, Pacquiao refused to back down.

“I don't want to compromise naman kung iyan ang desisyon nila. Pinaliwanag ko ang side ko but I dont' want to compromise my belief and faith to the Lord,” the two-term congressman said.

“I don't want to compromise 'pag mali io-OK ko na para maboto ako, no. Para sa akin kung ganun ako sa sarili ko, may hidden agenda.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

You do not own my humanity, Boy Abunda tells Pacquiao

MANILA - An irate Boy Abunda, the most popular gay television host in the country, has lashed out at world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who denounced people in a same-sex marriage as "worse than animals."

Abunda, who is in a relationship with his partner for more than three decades, criticized the senatorial aspirant for "crossing the line" with derogatory remarks.

"Kung ang tao ay nanakit, nangyuyurak ng karapatan ng tao, eh gugustuhin ko na po maging hayop," Abunda said in the Tuesday episode of his late night talk show. "Kung ang ibig sabihin po ng hayop ay gumagalang, nagmamahal, then I am an animal."

He then equated the struggle of the LGBT community for equality to that of America's civil rights movement during the 1960s, as well as to the struggle of women for the right to vote.

He also quoted US President Barack Obama, former US senator Hillary Clinton, and Pope Francis with regard to their viewpoints towards the rights of the LGBTs.

"Why am I saying this Manny? Dahil gusto kong malaman mo na hindi sila tumigil sa kalalaban para sa kanilang mga karapatan," Abunda explained.

"At kami sa LGBT community, hindi rin kami titigil hanggang sa dulo ng buhay namin, hanggang kamatayan ipaglalaban namin ang karapatan to equality and to dignity. Dahil ninakaw ito sa amin."

"I am not begging Manny Pacquiao for dignity. I am not begging you for respect. I am not begging you for my humanity because you do not own my humanity. Akin iyon. That's my birthright."

He also said he will not vote for Pacquaio in the upcoming elections, much like gay comedian Vice Ganda, who earlier voiced his disgust over the boxer-politician's controversial remarks.

"Tatakbo ka bilang senador?" Abunda asked. "Ito ang aking katanungan, palagay mo ba iboboto ko ba ang isang tao na ang tingin sa akin ay hindi tao? Iboboto ko ba ang isang tao na ang tingin sa akin ay mas masahol pa sa hayop. Manny, ang kasagutan --salita mo, common sense."

Pacquiao has apologized after facing severe criticism, but maintained that he is against same-sex marriage.

"Hindi po nagbabago ang aking desisyon na against po ako sa same-sex marriage at iyan po ang paniniwala ko. Ang pagkakamali ko lang po ay ikinumpara ko ang tao sa hayop. I am humbling myself before you and before God," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Slovenians reject same-sex marriage law in low-turnout referendum

LJUBLJANA - More than 60 percent of Slovenians voted against extending marriage to same-sex couples in a referendum Sunday marked by low turnout, according to near-complete results from the electoral commission.

The outcome marked a setback for activists who had hoped to see the largely Catholic nation become Europe's first ex-communist country to give same-sex couples the right to marry and adopt.

With more than 99 percent of ballots counted by 10 pm (2100 GMT), 63.42 percent of voters said 'no' to approving the legislation, which already passed in parliament earlier this year.

More than 1.7 million people were registered to vote on an issue that has stoked heated debate in the former Yugoslav republic, but turnout was low at just 35.65 percent.

For the outcome to be legally valid, opponents of the law needed to muster the support of at least 20 percent of registered voters -- the equivalent of at least 342,000 votes. They ended up garnering 389,115, the commission said.

In March, parliament approved legislation redefining marriage as a "union of two" instead of a "union of a man and a woman", granting same-sex couples the same rights as their opposite-sex counterparts, including the right to adopt children.

But opponents immediately launched a campaign to reverse the changes, meaning the legislation never came into force and no same-sex couples were able to tie the knot.

A group called "Children Are At Stake" managed to gather the 40,000 signatures necessary to force a referendum.

Even Pope Francis waded in, urging Slovenians to defend traditional family values.

He said last week he encouraged "everyone, especially those with public responsibility, to support the family, a structural reference point for the life of society".

Same-sex marriage has already been legalised in 18 countries, including 13 in Europe. Ireland last May became the first to approve gay marriage through a referendum.

"I voted yes. Love is love, regardless of everything," said a 24-year-old woman called Ida in the southwestern port city of Koper.

- 'Marriage yes, adoption no' -

The issue had proved divisive among Slovenians, especially concerning adoption.

On the wall of a church centre near one polling station, someone had scrawled: "Would you take a homosexual donor's blood to save your child?"

Another pensioner said while gay couples should be given equality as far as marriage was concerned, that should not include the right to adopt children.

"They are people like us, they should be given all rights, but not (the right to adopt) children," said 76-year-old Ema.

"It has to end with a 'no'," she said.

Slovenian voters already rejected gay marriage once before, in a 2012 plebiscite.

Sunday's renewed rejection means the civil code will revert to limiting marriage to strictly between male and female couples, and parliament may not propose any new measures seeking to introduce same-sex marriages for the next 12 months.

Existing legislation which allows registered civil partnerships but not adoption will remain in force.

Slovenia has long been ahead of its peers, joining the EU in 2004 -- nine years before neighbouring Croatia -- and the eurozone in 2007 as its first ex-communist member, but its society retains a strong traditionalist streak.

Both Slovenia's president and prime minister had backed the 'yes' camp in the referendum.

Violeta Tomic, a lawmaker from the leftist United Left party that had first proposed the same-sex law, vowed to keep up the fight despite Sunday's setback.

"We'll go on, we won't give up... Human rights were not a gift, they had to be fought for."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Taiwan crowds march in Asia's biggest gay pride parade

TAIPEI - Tens of thousands marched in Taiwan's capital Saturday in Asia's biggest gay pride parade, with many hoping presidential elections next year bring to power a pro-gay government that will legalize same-sex marriage.

About 78,000 people took part in the 13th Taiwan LGBT Pride event, with supporters waving rainbow flags and handmade placards calling for marriage equality as they circled downtown Taipei.

Some donned costumes including a group of men dressed up as characters from Japanese manga Sailor Moon while a choir group called G-Major sang as they walked with the crowds.

While Taiwan is one of the most progressive Asian societies when it comes to homosexuality, a bill to make same-sex marriage legal has been stalled in parliament since it was first proposed in 2013.

"There's been huge changes in the society in recent years with a lot of grassroot efforts pushing for equality," said Jennifer Lu, an openly gay candidate for the Social Democratic Party in next year's elections.

"But the government hasn't kept pace. That's why I want to run," she told AFP.

Widely expected to become Taiwan's next president -- and the island's first female leader -- Tsai Ing-wen of main opposition Democratic Progressive Party expressed support for same-sex marriage.

"Everyone is equal before love," she said in a video posted on her Facebook page Saturday.

But Tsai has yet to commit to pushing the bill through, saying in a separate statement that it's "an issue the whole society must face together as there are many who support marriage equality but there are also many who are reluctant."

This year's march coincides with several events held in Taipei, including a queer film festival and a regional LGBT conference.

"Taiwan certainly is one of the more progressive in Asia," said Ashley Wu, co-chair of this year's conference which attracted about 400 activists from countries including China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Nepal.

"But there is still strong opposing voices such as Christian groups. Their numbers aren't big but their political influence is significant," Wu said.

While marriage is not yet an option, some are encouraged by recent developments in gay rights.

Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan earlier this year became the first city to allow same-sex partners to be listed in household registration records.

"Progress is inevitable," said 25-year-old JJ Chang, taking part in the parade for the fourth time.

This year Chang chose to celebrate his aboriginal identity by wearing a colourful headdress from his tribe in eastern Hualien county.

"Someone said there is no 'tongzhi' in the aboriginal community, so we couldn't stay silent," he said, using the Chinese term for gay and lesbian people.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: El Gamma Penumbra's tribute to LGBT community

"Asia's Got Talent" grand champion El Gamma Penumbra prepared a fitting tribute for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community at the "Keri Beks: The First Gay Congress" held at the Araneta Coliseum.

The group's performance tackled some of the issues hounding LGBTs, including workplace discrimination and the issue of same-sex marriage.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice plans to marry girlfriend in the future

MANILA – With the legalization of same sex marriage in the United States is still a hot topic, Charice revealed that she also has plans of marrying her partner, Alyssa Quijano, in the future.

Speaking with ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau after her show in Paris, Charice said she wants to settle down with Quijano but that is not yet their main priority for now.

“Kung plans lang, may plans talaga but dates or anything, wala pa. Siyempre nandoon pa kami sa focused muna kami sa kung anong ginagawa namin ngayon. Trabaho muna, ipon muna,” she said.

Charice said she wants to give Quijano the wedding she deserves.

“Kapag talagang alam na namin na super ready na kami—siyempre as her partner, I’d like to give her her deam wedding if ever. If ever that happens, gusto ko talaga 'yung ready talaga lahat,” she said.

Charice and Quijano became a couple in October 2012. However, it was only in June 2013 when the singer introduced Quijano as her girlfriend.

Before they got into a relationship, Charice and Quijano were former rivals in various singing competitions. The two had already faced off several times in amateur singing contests when they became competitors in the ABS-CBN talent search "Little Big Star" in 2005.

They met again until seven years later when Quijano joined the singing contest "The X Factor Philippines," with Charice as one of the celebrity judges.

It was during the Kapamilya program when they had a chance to resume communication.

Despite mixed reactions from the public when they announced their relationship, the two decided to stay together.

At one point, even Charice’s mother Raquel strongly disapproved of Quijano for her daughter. It was only in late 2014 when Charice renewed ties with her family, ending her year-long rift with her mom.

Charice, her mom and Quijano are now in good terms.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Profile photos turn to 'rainbow' as Pinoys 'celebrate pride'

Filipino netizens are showing their support for same-sex marriage via social networking site Facebook.

Colorful, filtered profile pictures are proliferating Facebook feeds to signify a “celebration of pride,” following a landmark US Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex marriage throughout US. The rainbow is widely used as a symbol of the LGBT community.

Through its “Celebrate Pride” application, Facebook allowed users to change their profile photos into rainbow-colored versions with ease.

Facebook founder Marc Zuckerberg said in various posts that the social networking site “is a proud supporter of Pride,” and that he rejoices with his friends and “everyone in the community who can finally celebrate their love.”

“Our country was founded on the promise that all people are created equal, and today we took another step towards achieving that promise,” said Zuckerberg.

In the Philippines, same-sex marriage is still deemed unlawful. But the recent US decision gives the Filipino LGBT community some hope.

Kim Arveen Patria, an LGBT rights advocate, said the US Supreme Court’s decision “takes the fight for gender equality forward by leaps and bounds.”

“It is true that the U.S. is not the world, but the world has its eyes on the U.S. The Philippine Supreme Court, for example, cites U.S. jurisprudence in many of its rulings. The case Obergefell v. Hodges gives me and many gender equality advocates hope. Changing our Facebook profile photos is a small manifestation of our overwhelming joy,” said Patria.

April Isiderio, married, and has one kid, said she joined the “Celebrate Pride” call because she believes “love is a choice.”

“These gay individuals should share the same choices like the rest of us. One's sexual preference should not be an issue. If you want to label your relationship and put it on paper, then the option should be the same for every kind,” she said.

CBCP's take on gay marriage
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines for its part maintained that marriage is a “permanent union of man and woman.”

“Fortunately for human persons, there is so much more to us and to our dignity than what the law prescribes,” said CBCP President, Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

He emphasized however that no Church official should “demand to know a person’s orientation.”

“All will continue to find welcome in the Church, while, under command from The Lord himself, will continue to teach what the Church has unceasingly taught,” Villegas added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com