The Courage Campaign, an online progressive organizing network with over 750,000 members, today celebrated boxer Manny Pacquiao’s apology to the LGBT community for his anti-gay remarks. His apology came after the campaign mobilized a large, swift public response to the fighter’s statements.
“To the gay community, I apologize. I’m against same sex marriage, but I’m not condemning you. My favorite verse is ‘Love one another as you love yourself. Love your neighbor.’ So, I love everybody!” stated Pacquiao in an interview on “Extra.”
Moreover, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. made the following statement on Twitter: “I stand behind President Obama and support gay marriage. I’m an American citizen and I believe people should live their life the way they want.”
Courage Campaign Chair Rick Jacobs said, “Pacquiao came out for gay people. Mayweather came out for gay people and marriage. We look forward to the day that Pacquiao will complete the journey that President Obama and so many others are on and realize that love is love — that marriage is civil and in no way affects one’s religious beliefs. When public figures talk to their fans, and to all of us, about supporting gay people and same sex marriage, it’s is a huge victory.”