Manny Pacquiao stands firm on anti-gay slurs, despite earlier ‘apology’
The boxing giant says he refuses to bow down to his critics, as he has God on his side.
Eight-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao sparked criticism across the world earlier this week, after describing gay couples as “worse than animals”.
“It’s common sense. Do you see animals mating with the same sex?” Pacquiao told local broadcaster TV5.
“Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female.
“If men mate with men and women mate with women they are worse than animals.”
Pacquiao issued an apology on social media on Tuesday, shortly after the initial controversy broke – however, its seems he is sticking by his archaic views.
The boxer smiled and joked throughout a training session in his home town earlier today, before telling reporters he had no intention of bowing to his critics.
“What I am saying is right. I mean I am just stating the truth, what the Bible says,” said Pacquiao, 37.
“What I did wrong was just comparing the people to animals, but you know what I am telling is the truth.
“I mean I am just telling what the Bible says. We believe God and then we should honour the word of God.”
Pacquiao went on to say that he was not bothered about the backlash – despite losing millions in sponsorship after being dropped by Nike, who described his views as “abhorrent”.
One of Pacquiao’s media handlers initially told reporters at that they were not allowed to ask him any questions about the controversy.
However, the sports star appeared eager to show he remained firm in his religious convictions.
“I’m happy. I’m always happy because God is with me,” he said.
And it seems the Filipino electorate are happy too – after it was revealed that the boxer is poised to win one of 12 vacant Senatorial seats in the country’s upcoming elections.
The boxer has recently reinvented himself as a conservative politician – attempting to appeal to the country’s strong Catholic population after years of womanising and hard partying.
Although same-sex sexual activity is not a crime in the Philippines, same-sex marriage is not recognised, and gay couples are unable to adopt.
