Former Wallabies captain George Gregan wants Israel Folau to stop preaching and let his football do the talking as Rugby Australia agonises over how to deal with the divisive superstar.
RA boss Raelene Castle admits Folau’s provocative religious views opposing homosexuality and same-sex marriage are proving the biggest challenge of her decade-long sports administration career.
But despite conceding he was “walking the line”, the former New Zealand Netball and Canterbury NRL chief executive has so far opted not to sanction the code-hopping match-winner.
Castle, though, insists that has nothing to do with the governing body being eager to retain Folau beyond 2018 when his contract expires.
“In my career, this is singularly the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with,” Castle told Fox Sports’ Kick and Chase program on Wednesday night.
“There’s no black and white answer.
“On the one hand, you’re dealing with a human rights issue. On the other hand, you’re dealing with freedom of speech and someone’s right to express their views, whether it be religious or otherwise.
“I think the test continues to be whether that’s done in a respectful way, so that’s the measure that we’ll continue to apply.”
For his part, Gregan – an unabashed fan of the record-setting dual international – thinks it’s time for Folau to shut up. The saga has continued for more than a month now.
“As soon as you bring it on the social media platform, it becomes a huge, huge point of discussion about the game, not necessarily for the right reasons and not representative of the people in the game of rugby,” Gregan said.
“That’s my concern with this. Let’s talk football. These beliefs that you talk about, keep them to yourself.
“I don’t see there’s a need to be putting it on a huge social platform because it takes away from what he is; a great rugby player.”
MH01
Guest
Roar Editirs - are you proud of that headline given what Gregan actually said ? How about stick to sport and stop the anti Folau agenda - I know it's pupular to jump on the identity politics band wagon.... though this is a sports site and not a left publication like the guardian.
Daz
Guest
I agree with George. He's had his say. He's had his free speech. He's had his play of the freedom of religion card. He's made his views known. Now it's just preaching and pontificating. He needs to shut his mouth.
Nobody
Guest
So is freedom of opinion and expression listed as a human right in the next article (19) in the UN's list: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. So we just determined that all opinion is listed as a human right, right there alongside religious beliefs. So the real answer to my question should have been, no difference at all. As an aside, there is a bit of common misunderstanding of what it means for something to be listed as a human right. Similar to what I said elsewhere, the purpose of listing things as human rights is to prevent people from being imprisoned, assaulted or killed for expressing them. That's the UN focus. Now back to your question. Why should he have to back down on his religious beliefs? The reason I asked a question in return is that without the word "religious" in there, the question becomes meaningless, or at least trivial. Why should anyone ever back down on their beliefs? Because the beliefs are hateful, because they impinge the rights of others, because they're untrue, because the believers change their minds, etc.
Rugby Tragic Too
Roar Guru
Because religious freedom is a human right as pointed out by the human rights commission article 18: 'This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.'
Nobody
Guest
What difference does it make that its religious?
RTT
Guest
Why should he back down on his religious beliefs?
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Sounds like you are trying to suppress free speech.
RTT
Guest
Yes that’s why the headlines in today’s articles that Folau posted a link to an anti gay video needs to be called out as the misleading fake news that it is
RTT
Guest
His comments are silly in yours an mines and many others opinion. In his mind and in those that believe as he does, he is doing the right thing. It all deserves nothing more than being let go through to the keeper
RTT
Guest
His comments don’t raise an issue and do not conflicy with the law because he is not calling for anything other than personal repentance for sin
Nobody
Guest
On reflection, you kind of did but I misunderstood. Apologies, my mistake. Ok we agree, I'm so used to having people denying it that I've become too touchy, clearly. Why am I going after Folau? Because he's a sports star spreading the homophobic message. I have nothing personal against Folau, I just want the message repudiated, ideally by him. If he says gays are ok and still calls himself christian, that's fine by me. But as of yet, he's not backing down; he's chosen to make a stand over this issue, and a lot of people are supporting him. Someone has to call him out.
Taylorman
Guest
Can we get George to talk to RTT as well. On second tboughts, I wouldnt submit even him to that.?
jeznez
Roar Guru
I think he offers more than some of the blatant falsehoods such as - all christians believe certain things, all religious texts contain reference to homosexuality. The Bhagavad-gita is one of the most important Hindu texts. A major religion with over 1 billion adherents. It doesn't rail against gay people. In this age of fake news - we should be calling out people who post things that are blatantly false, shouldn't we?
RobC
Roar Guru
ok, didnt seem like it
jeznez
Roar Guru
It was about repenting in preparation for the rapture. Repentance was called for on specifically three sins - greed, iniquity and same sex relations. Izzy feels the need to post that homosexuality is a sin, I feel the need to post that Izzy's views are silly.
JP
Guest
Tooly and Malo are one and the same.
RTT
Guest
No
RTT
Guest
Pretty sure I’ve posted above that Christianity is homophobic. You seem to agree on that so great. So why are we going after Folau. Shooting the messenger. If u feel so angry about it go after the church or local mosque etc
RTT
Guest
Piru u offer nothing to this debate
RTT
Guest
But the focus of that sermon was not gays. It was about repenting sins a theme consistent in all of folaus tweets and messages. We all know he believes being gay is a sin. He also believes adulterous promoscuious behaviour is a sin. So what. It’s not illegal, SSM is lawful. Does it really matter that some religious people think it is a sin?