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Nike's Closet Issues
The boxer's ouster after homophobic comments could advance gay rights and pressure manufacturing nations.
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Manny Pacquiao didn't realize it then, but he may have just given a boost to gay rights. Nike's quick reaction to homophobic comments by the Philippine boxing star could open the door to pressure on the company to review where it manufactures its sneakers and sports bras.
Good news for human rights activists, bad news for investors in the clothing industry. Social-responsibility issues have already led to additional costs for some companies as they source products from factories that treat workers more fairly, which often means paying them more and making the product a bit less profitable.