Out singer Ricky Martin has cheered
Puerto Rico's decision to no longer defend its gay marriage ban in
court.
Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla, a
Democrat and practicing Catholic opposed to marriage equality, on
Friday filed a brief in a case challenging the ban.
The 43-year-old Padilla said that he
supports the decision because “political leaders should not impose
their beliefs” on others.
The decision paves the way for Puerto
Rico, a U.S. territory, to legalize gay nuptials.
(Related: Puerto
Rico drops its defense of gay marriage ban.)
The Puerto Rican singer cheered the
decision on social media.
“My thanks to Governor Alejandro
Garcia Padilla for demonstrating that he is a leader who is not
afraid of the challenges of the present,” Martin
wrote in Spanish. His support for the determination of the
Boston Court on marriage equality does justice to equality. My
appreciation to Senators and Representatives and my sisters and
brothers who joined this struggle for equality and human rights.”
“Today is a great day for my island,
my heart beats fast in my chest. How proud I am to live in a country
of equality. I love you Puerto Rico,” he added.