Manny Pacquiao is in the process of being picked apart by media and celebrities for his recent comments on homosexuality. In a video that appeared on the election website of TV5 Network, a network covering the Philipino Senate elections where Pacquiao is currently a candidate, Pacquiao was asked for his views on same sex marriage, and said this:
“It’s common sense,” the eight times world champion, who later apologised, said. “Do you see animals mating with the same sex? 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’s comments were greeted with warmth and understanding by the media and LGBT activists:
“Singer Aiza Seguerra, a former child actress in the 1980s who is now living with another actress, blasted Pacquiao on Instagram: "You might've done our country proud but with your statement, you just showed the whole country why we shouldn't vote for you."
"And yes, I think you are an ignorant, bigoted hypocrite," Seguerra said.
Gay comedian and TV host Marie Viceral, “tweeted that lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders are humans, not animals. He said that they're not saints, but that they'll pray for the boxer, who is widely acclaimed for bringing his country honors.
Vice Ganda posted a picture of Pope Francis, suggesting that even the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic church does not condemn gays. He quoted the pope: "If a person is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?"
Danton Remoto, chairman of the LGBT group Ladlad, said Pacquiao's comments betray a shallow understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity.
"He is running for a national position and he should be a senator of everybody, not just over-the-hill boxers and straight people," Remoto said by phone, adding Pacquiao and his advisers "should bone up on LGBT issues" of the 21st century.
"Otherwise, they would be left behind in the Dark Ages, when the cavemen ruled and the numbskulls roamed the earth," Remoto said.”
Predictably, Pacquiao apologized for causing any offense in a Facebook video:
“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt. I still stand on my belief that I’m against same sex marriage because of what the Bible says, but I’m not condemning LGBT. I love you all with the love of the Lord. God bless you all and I’m praying for you.”
Later on Instagram, Pacquiao said this:
“I rather obey the Lord’s command than obeying the desires of the flesh. Im not condemning anyone, but I’m just telling the truth of what the Bible says. The truth from the Bible is what changed me from my old ways. 1 Corinthians 6:9 “[9] Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men.” God Bless everyone i love you all.”
Yep, a lot of love in the air.
