Priest demands the ban of 'One Direction' from Philippines
Father Conegundo Garganta, an official in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, has urged the government to ban One Direction from the country.
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Speaking to the Manila Times, he described the boy band as “a bad influence” and believes the children of the Philippines should not be exposed to their exploits.
At a speech in Manila, he appealed to the parents of young fans, urging them, “do not lead the youth in the wrong direction."
The statement comes after video footage was leaked of Zayn Malik, allegedly smoking marijuana as band member, Louis Tomlinson made jokes from behind the camera.
Whilst the boys were filmed in Peru, where personal consumption of the drug is permitted, the band has still faced a huge backlash, particularly as they are the idols of many young fans.
And it seems Father Conegrundo isn't ready to forgive and forget, adding,“Why admit poisonous influences? There is enough poison in our society.”
But whilst the priest has spoken out against the boys, the president of the religious group, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, has made it clear that this is not the official stance of the CBCP.
"In the first place, that some members smoked marijuana or contraband does not make its group itself condemnable," the Archbishop told GMA News Online.
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"One Direction has so many young followers. We condemn a group they idolise, you condemn them…there has to be a better way of leading them to right path. CBCP loves and reaches out to the youth."
The band are slated to perform in the Philippines in March 2015.