Bosses at The Grove, where Pacquiao was scheduled to make a TV appearance on Wednesday (16May12), took offence to remarks the sportsman and politician made in a National Conservative Examiner interview – and told security staff he wasn’t welcome at the mall.
In the article, Pacquiao was quoted as saying: “God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married. It should not be of the same sex, so as to adulterate the altar of matrimony, like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.”
The boxer has attempted to clarify his comments on his website, writing, “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 off (sic) are actions that violate the word of God. I only gave out my opinion that same sex marriage is against the law of God.”
But the statement isn’t enough for The Grove bosses, who insist, “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.”
