Ricky Martin gets a standing ovation

The 38-year-old singer stepped out to attend the Billboard Latin Music Awards in native Puerto Rico for the first time since he came out as gay on his website on March 29.

Martin introduced a fellow Latin act on stage and took the opportunity to attack Arizona officials for their controversial new law which will allow police to stop anyone they think will be an illegal immigrant, Daily Mail reported.

"This is not in the script... this law makes no sense. You are not alone. We are with you. Put a stop to discrimination. Put a stop to hate. Put a stop to racism," Martin said while speaking in Spanish.

Stars in the audience, including Canadian R&B star Nelly Furtado, rapper Wyclef Jean, Mexican singers Thalia and Paulina Rubio, rose to their feet as they applauded Martin's passionate speech.

"Long live love, long live peace," Martin hit out at Arizona's controversial new immigration law. Martin decided to open up about his sexuality following years of speculation. He admitted he had the courage to be honest about his sexuality after becoming a father to twins sons via a surrogate in August 2008.

"I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am," Martin had said in a post on his official website.

The 'She Bangs' singer admitted that many of his advisers in the Latin music industry advised him to keep quiet over his sexuality.