Manny Pacquiao Denounces Anti Gay Allegations
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Manny Pacquiao says he loves and supports gays and lesbians, even though he does not approve of gay marriage. The world champion boxer and Filipino congressman has been criticized ever since he gave an interview to the examiner.com website in which he opposed President Barack Obama's support for gay marriage. Pacquiao said Wednesday in an interview with The Associated Press that he doesn't support gay marriage because of his Roman Catholic beliefs. But he says he has gay friends and relatives, and supports their rights. The previous story contained a Bible passage calling for the death of "a man (who) lies with a man," and Pacquiao says many readers erroneously believed he had quoted that verse. He says he had not. Pacquiao was banned from filming a television show at a Hollywood shopping mall after the article appeared, and a petition appeared on change.org to persuade sponsor Nike to dump him. By: GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer