Manny Pacquiao has sparked controversy for calling gays “worse than animals” in a recent TV interview.

The boxer’s comments drew ire from gay Filipino celebrities and a rights group, as well as heated discussion.

The former world champion, who positions himself as a conservative Christian politician, is running for a senate seat in May elections.

The largely Catholic Philippines remains conservative on gay rights.

Manny Pacquiao, who is a member of the Philippines house of representatives, was speaking to local station TV5 earlier this week for its election coverage.

In a clip posted online, Manny Pacquiao tells the interviewer: “It’s common sense. Will you see any animals where male is to male and female is to female?”

“The animals are better. They know how to distinguish male from female. If we approve [of] male on male, female on female, then man is worse than animals.”

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Filipino comedian Vice Ganda and singer Aiza Seguerra, who are openly gay, have criticized Manny Pacquiao for his comments, calling him a “hypocrite” and a “false prophet”.

Local gay rights organization and political group Ladlad condemned his remarks and issued a call to voters to boycott Manny Pacquiao.

On February 16, Manny Pacquiao, who has won world titles in eight different weight divisions, posted a picture of himself with his wife on Instagram in an apparent response to the controversy.

He said: “I rather obey the Lord’s command than obeying the desires of the flesh. I’m not condemning anyone, but I’m just telling the truth of what the Bible says.”

The furor has split the online world, where many Christian followers have shown support for Manny Pacquiao while others have condemned him for his views.

Manny Pacquiao remains hugely popular in the Philippines, and has spoken frequently about his renewed Christian faith. He represents his wife’s home province of Sarangani in the Philippines’ House of Representatives.