Manny Pacquiao apologizes after saying gay couples are ‘worse than animals’

Manny Pacquiao is coming under fire in the Philippines and abroad after the boxer-turned-politician said that gay and lesbian couples were “worse than animals” during a TV appearance. Pacquiao is seeking one of the country’s 12 national senate seats and is favored to win. He defended his position by saying it’s “common sense,” outraging the GLBTQ community.

His comments about gay and lesbian couples didn’t stop with his initial comments, according to Sky News.

“Do you see animals mating with the same sex? Animals are better because they can distinguish male from female.”

Pacquiao has been vocal about adopting Catholicism in recent years. He spoke to the Philippines house of representatives where he opposed a law that would supply free condoms to the poor. Some are calling his latest comments the next in a long line of reasons why the boxer is unfit to run for public office.

Vice Ganda, the country’s best-known gay comedian slammed Pacquiao on social media, saying:

“Some people think they can judge people like God just because they’ve attended a prayer meeting and read the bible. The Senate needs experts on politics and law, not blind prophets.”

Pacquiao tweeted the following apology hours after his TV appearance.

The Philippine Senate election is set to take place on May 9. It’s unclear whether Pacquiao’s words will be damaging to him at the polls.