Eight time world champion boxer has apologized for comparing homosexual people to animals.
Pacquiao who is a devout Christian and aspirant for public office in his native country of Pillipones, had made the remarks in a television interview as part of his campaign for one of 12 seats in the nationally-elected senate.
“It’s common sense. Do you see animals that go male to male or female to female? So the animals are even better,” Pacquiao told local broadcaster TV5 in an interview aired this week. “Because they know how to distinguish from male to male or female to female. Right? Now if we allow male to male or female to female, then that makes us worse than animals.”
According to Yahoo Sports, the boxer has apologized.
Initially, Pacquiao didn’t back down nor address how his comments may have offended people as he responded to the criticism with an Instagram post that said the following: “I rather obey the Lord’s command than obeying the desire of the flesh. I’m not condemning anyone, but I’m just telling the truth of what the bible says.”
But the man who currently represents the province of Sarangani in the House of Representatives eventually relented and posted an apology video.
“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals,” Pacquiao said. “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.”