Pacquiao posts, then removes, scripture on gay couples ‘put to death’

MANILA, Philippines – Already at the center of a storm triggered by his comments on same-sex marriages, Manny Pacquiao may have added to his woes by posting, though eventually deleting, an image on social media account Instagram quoting a verse in the Bible.

ABS-CBN caught the Instagram post of Pacquiao, with wife Jinkee, in the first hour of Thursday, before it was deleted two hours later.

The boxer quoted Leviticus 20:13 from the Old Testament in the caption:

“Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.

“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.”

The 37-year-old Pacquiao is facing criticism after saying couples in same-sex marriage are “mas masahol pa sa hayop (worse than animals)” in a viral video released by Bilang Pilipino/TV5.

Pacquiao apologized within the day, saying: “I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals. Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt.” 

Despite his apology, Pacquiao was still dropped by Nike, a move applauded by NBA legend Magic Johnson.

“We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent. Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community,” Nike explained in a statement.

“We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao.”

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, also denounced the 8-division boxing champion’s comments and called them “reprehensible.”

Just recently, even an former sponsor in Wonderful Pistachios distanced itself from the Filipino boxer.

Pacquiao will face Timothy Bradley Jr for the third time on April 9 in what Pacquiao says will be the final fight of his career. – Rappler.com