The boxer’s anti-gay remarks causing controversy
Manny Pacquiao was scheduled to have an interview with Extra host Mario Lopez at a Los Angeles mall today, but the sit-down was cancelled on account of the boxer’s recent anti-gay remarks.
Management at The Grove, a posh, outdoor shopping mall, issued a statement, saying, “Based on news reports of statements made by Mr. Pacquiao we have made it be known that he is not welcome at The Grove and will not be interviewed here now or in the future. The Grove is a gathering place for all Angelenos and not a place for intolerance.”
A devout Catholic and Congressman in his homeland of the Phillipines, Manny Pacquiao told the National Conservative Examiner that he doesn’t agree with Obama’s stance on same sex marriage. He then cited Leviticus 20:13, saying “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”
The “Pac-man” went on to say “God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married, only if they so are in love with each other. It should not be of the same sex so as to adulterate the altar of matrimony, like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah of Old.”
Manny Pacquiao tried to reform his harsh statements, saying that he does not hate gay people, he just believes that they are acting against God’s law. “I only gave out my opinion that same sex marriage is against the law of God. I’m not against gay people…I have a relative who is also gay. We can’t help it if they were born that way. What I’m critical of are actions that violate the word of God.”
Some gay rights activists are satisfied that Manny Pacquiao has been banned from The Grove, but some are calling for harsher consequences. Gay Marriage USA has started a petition to get Nike to drop the boxer as a client.
Manny Pacquaio is listed at No. 4 on Forbes’ list of most influential athletes in the world.
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