ADVERTISEMENT

Filipino Boxer criticises homosexuality again

The former number 1 pound for pound boxer has renewed his criticism of homosexuality

"What I am saying is right. I mean I am just stating the truth, what the Bible says," he said at training in his hometown of General Santos.

The boxer said his only mistake had been to compare people to animals.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mr Pacquiao had said during a TV interview that animals were better than gay people "because they can distinguish male from female".

His remarks were condemned across the world - including by gay basketball star Jason Collins and the boxer who defeated him last May, Floyd Mayweather.

Mr Pacquiao then apologised on Facebook, saying he was sorry for hurting people and was "not condemning LGBT" but was still against gay marriage.

Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao (C) poses for photos with visitors in General Santos City, in southern island of Mindanao on February 19, 2016

Mr Pacquiao, who is extremely popular, says he wants to be president

ADVERTISEMENT

But on Thursday, a Bible quote appeared on his Instagram account, reading: "If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads."

Local Filipino media captured a screenshot of the image before it was deleted and Mr Pacquiao's staff in General Santos confirmed that the post had been published on the boxer's account.

However, Mr Pacquiao - still wearing his Nike sports gear - insisted the row had not affected him.

"I'm happy. I'm always happy because God is with me," he said.

Mr Pacquiao intends to retire from boxing after his April fight against Timothy Bradley from the US, and will step up his career in politics.

ADVERTISEMENT

The boxer, who has converted from Catholicism to an evangelical Protestant faith, has said he wants to be president.

Homosexuality is not a crime in the Philippines, but gay marriage is against the law in the strongly Catholic country.

Credit: BBC

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT