17 Feb 2017

Philippine Boxer Manny Pacquiao Against Discrimination Legislation

The Philippine senator has voiced opposition to anti-discrimination bill 1271.

Boxing champion and Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao argued against Senate Bill 1271—a proposal to protect people from discrimination based on sexuality, gender identity, or the clothes that they wear—on Monday.

The bill was tabled by Senator Risa Hontiveros but received objections from Pacquiao.

“Even in the Bible, we read that the woman should wear women’s [clothing]; and the man, for men’s wear,” Pacquiao reportedly said. “That’s what I believe.”

Pacquiao said cross-dressing may be used to “commit fraud,” according to GMA Online, and he cited the case of Jennifer Laude, a transgender woman who was killed by a US Marine n 2014.

Pacquiao was heavily criticized in February 2016 after saying homosexuals were “worse than animals,” he later apologized, but reiterated his opposition to same-sex marriage.