Peruvian Bishop Apologizes for Antigay Slur

Catholic bishop Luis Bambaren of Peru has issued a forced apology after saying Monday that gay people should be called "fa**ots."

The Australian Associated Press reports that Bambaren was asked for his thoughts about a same-sex civil union proposal as he was leaving a church event.

"Why is there so much talk about gay, gay, gay? ... Fa**ots - that's how it's said, right?" replied the bishop.

Influential clerics in Peru oppose the civil unions measure, which is in the news because Carlos Bruce, the leading presidential candidate for the April election, said he would support the proposal, the AAP reports.

Following public outcry from voices including gay activists, Bishop Bambaren said, "I ask for an apology for everyone who felt offended. It is an offensive word, and [homosexuals] deserve respect."

Watch video of the bishop's remarks, courtesy of Blabbeando.The "fa**ots" comment occurs around the 2:40 mark.