‘Religion is not an excuse to hate’: Catriona Gray defends support for LGBTQ+ community

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 16) — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has expressed strong support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) community, shrugging off criticism that such stance betrays her Christian faith.

Gray posted on Instagram on Saturday a photo promoting “Pride Month”, a month-long celebration dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community.

Some Instagram users immediately threw negative comments at the beauty queen, who also has been public about her Christian background.

“My belief as a Christian does not limit me from fighting for the rights of others,” Gray argued. “Religion is never an excuse to hate, put down or act indifferent to the suffering of others.”

The Christian community has been vocal against same-sex relationships, arguing that the Bible supposedly indicates that marriage should only be between a man and woman.

“I believe God is love, and I will treat — no matter who they are, to the best of my ability, with love,” Gray said.