Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather's Opposing Views on Same-Sex Marriage

While Manny Pacquiao abhors same-sex marriage, his potential foe Floyd Mayweather takes the opposing view by supporting US President Barack Obama's endorsement of the controversial proposal to legalize the union of two individuals of the same sex.

Pacquiao is currently embroiled in the controversial issue after an article quoted him reciting a Bible passage that condemns people in same-sex marriage.

The article, posted on Examiner.com and written by Granville Ampong, says in part:

"

Pacquiao's directive for Obama calls societies to fear God and not to promote sin, inclusive of same-sex marriage and cohabitation, notwithstanding what Leviticus 20:13 has been pointing all along: 'If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.'

"

Pacquiao denied quoting the Bible as reported by Ampong on his official website, saying he has not even read Leviticus 20:13 yet. But he said he is against same-sex marriage because of his Christian faith.

Pacquiao said he has relatives who are gay, and definitely he's not against gay people. It is just that he doesn't support gay marriage on account of his religion.

"I'm not against gay people," Pacquiao said (via ESPN). "I'm not condemning them. ... I have a cousin (who is) gay. I have relatives (who are) gay. I have a lot of friends (who are) gay, so I'm not condemning gays. What I said is I'm not in favor of same-sex marriage. That's the one thing I said to the guy."

Later, Ampong admitted the quote did not come from Pacquiao, and it was him who lifted the quotes from the Bible.

Ampong issued an apology for the confusion created by his article on Examiner.com

"I sincerely apologize for the confusion my column has caused. I certainly do not represent Pacquiao nor his team," the author wrote (via the LA Times).

The controversial article created widespread and heated debate in the Internet community, and in print and broadcast media, with some gay groups calling for boycotts of Pacquiao's sponsors.

Meanwhile, Mayweather joined the discussion via Twitter saying: "I stand behind President Obama & support gay marriage. I'm an American citizen & I believe people should live their life the way they want."

Mayweather is fresh from his impressive victory over Miguel Cotto last May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

The unbeaten WBC champion is scheduled to serve his 87-day jail term on June 1. 

Pacquiao, who is now on the final phase of training at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, is set to collide with unbeaten Palms Spring boxing star Timothy Bradley on June 9 at the Garden Arena as well.