Saab Magalona. Image: Instagram/@saabmagalona
Actress-singer Saab Magalona and Filipino rapper Quest recently gave their differing takes when it came to same-sex marriage. This was after Quest, real name Jose Villanueva III, was asked by a fan last April 5 via Twitter if he agreed with same-sex marriage and divorce in the Philippines.
Quest said he believes in the Bible and said he did not agree with same-sex marriage. He, however, supports divorce if the marriage is destructive.
After receiving backlash for his remarks, Quest took to Twitter on April 6 where he aired out his sentiments.
“Some are going beastmode over this… One man asked… I replied,” he said. “I have vegan friends. I have Muslim friends. I have friends from different religions. WE GET ALONG. BECAUSE WE DONT SHOVE OUR BELIEFS TO ONE ANOTHER. That’s called respect. Agree to disagree. Love and respect.”
Some are going beastmode over this.. one man asked.. I replied.
I have vegan friends.. I have muslim friends.. I have friends from different religions.. WE GET ALONG. BECAUSE WE DONT SHOVE OUR BELIEFS TO ONE ANOTHER. That's called respect. Agree to disagree. Love and respect. pic.twitter.com/nraiuHvhCY
— Quest (@officialQUEST) April 6, 2019
Magalona, later on, reached out to the rapper and hoped he does not dismiss those who are trying to enlighten him on same-sex marriage.
“I think it’s alright to compromise if you later learn that your own beliefs are incredibly backwards,” Magalona said on April 6.
“Some people are straight up attacking you but I hope you don’t dismiss those who are genuinely trying to enlighten you,” she added.
I think it’s alright to compromise if you later learn that your own beliefs are incredibly backwards. Some people are straight up attacking you but I hope you don’t dismiss those who are genuinely trying to enlighten you☺️
— Saab (@saabmagalona) April 6, 2019
Quest replied to Magalona, driving his point home.
“Love who you want. Marry who you want. Worship who you want,” he said. “No one should stop you. Not even the Government.”
Magalona, however, pointed out what seemed to be wrong with his statement. She wrote that it is easy to tell people to marry who they want, but the reality is the government is stopping them.
“It’s so easy to ‘marry who you want’ [because] WE are able to,” she said. “The reality is that the [government] IS stopping them [because] of beliefs like yours.”
If I’m not mistaken, most my LGBT friends want the option to get married more for the legal benefits straight people get than bec of the sacrament. It’s so easy to say “marry who you want” bec WE are able to. The reality is that the govt IS stopping them bec of beliefs like yours
— Saab (@saabmagalona) April 6, 2019
She also sent Quest a longer explanation of her tweet, saying she just wanted to help explain what she meant. She told Quest it is easy for straight people to say anyone can marry who they want, but it is contrary to the reality that members of the LGBTQ community face.
“Maybe we can *at the very least* show compassion by NOT declaring we don’t agree with a basic right,” she said. “I hope you understand the backlash, I swear it’s not just mema beastmode pa-woke culture.”
I really don’t like “Call Out Culture” but I saw some people agreeing w you so I thought I’d publicly reply para ma-gets rin nila sana! At hindi kasya sa tweet so nag notes na ako haha. No tea, no shade, I really just want to help explain!✌🏻 pic.twitter.com/F5B9S2u2Vk
— Saab (@saabmagalona) April 6, 2019
Quest also shared a statement from his end where he clarified his stance on same-sex marriage.
“I believe in the bible. I live by what the bible says. I have been for the past 17 years,” said Quest on April 7. “I don’t agree with same sex marriage/union because my view on marriage will always be biblical.”
Salamat sa pakikinig at pag unawa @TheRainBro @not_alfonso @mari_jasmn Mahal ko kayo. pic.twitter.com/Lji2qDuBKQ
— Quest (@officialQUEST) April 7, 2019
Quest added, however, that not agreeing with same-sex marriage does not mean he is against it.
“But not everyone is like me and I respect that. But I am for legalizing same sex marriage union because we all deserve the right to exercise our beliefs without ridicule and oppression,” he said. “We deserve our safe space to practice our beliefs regardless of your background. EQUALITY TO ALL.” JB
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