British-based LGBT charity Stonewall has criticised Wallabies star Israel Folau following his anti-gay rant on social media.
Folau’s future in rugby is again in doubt following another pair of explosive online posts that insult a range of people from homosexuals to “fornicators” and drunks.
Rugby Australia released a statement condemning the comments by the former NRL and AFL star, who is a devout Christian, and now face a moral dilemma about Folau’s future in the sport just five months before the World Cup in June.
Folau is under contract until 2022, has won 73 caps and is a key part of Michael Cheika’s plans for the tournament in Japan.
“Folau’s comments are just one example of how much work is still left to do to combat discrimination and the use of hateful language against lesbian, gay, bi and trans people,” Kirsty Clarke, director of sport at Stonewall told PA Sport.
“It’s important that Rugby Australia have stepped up to challenge Folau’s abusive comments.
“The more players, fans, clubs and organisations that stand up for equality, the sooner we kick discrimination out and make sport everyone’s game.”
Former Wales international Gareth Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, responded to Folau’s comments on Twitter.
“I don’t write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau’s comments. I write with sympathy,” the 44-year-old wrote.
“To everyone who reads it, don’t be influenced by his words. Be the better person and be YOU. Whoever YOU is..Hell doesn’t await YOU.Happiness awaits YOU.”
International Gay Rugby, the global organisation for the world’s gay and inclusive rugby clubs, also hit out at the 30-year-old.
“The effects these hateful comments will have on LGBT people are enormously harmful,” the organisation said in a statement:
“We want all LGBT athletes out there to know that rugby is a sport where you are welcome and respected, a sport of values that doesn’t allow for such bigotry or discrimination of any kind.
“We are taking a keen interest on the findings of Rugby Australia’s Integrity Unit when they meet tonight and applaud the union for taking the stance that these kinds of comments are unacceptable.”
An onymous
Guest
Im not influenced by any personal opinion but by the truth that yet it is so hard to accept. The scriptures is very clear about the sinful nature of some conditions that have crept into our society under the banner of equality. Sin is sin according to the God that these groups are trying to erase so their conscience may be at peace with their sins.
Marie Heitz
Guest
Minority groups? Since when were drunks, liars, fornicators or atheists a minority group in Australia? If you include anyone who has ever partaken in any of those activities. Btw, I think a fornicator is someone who has sex outside of marriage, but I might be wrong on that.
CUW
Roar Rookie
@ Nobrain what is unfair ? - the crazy in NZ also expressed his views on facebook - before going on the rampage. a hell of a lot od people who blow themselves up or go on shooting sprees or stabbing frenzys , make sure they post something on social media - before their actions. am not saying Folau is going to do same BUT those people are also using their freedom of speech. no freedom IMO shud not come at a cost to someone else. for eg: it is the freedom to bear arms in USA that makes it unsafe for many innocent people. there is a Chinesse saying : " always make sure ur words are sweet - coz u never know when u will have to eat them ! "
Mr.Media
Roar Rookie
This has nothing to do with "hate" or "discrimination". It's about freedom of speech. People don't have to agree with what someone says, but they must give them the right to say it.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Come on ! Very unfair comment. If you want to argue you must be fair about!!!
mania
Guest
yes as well as every non christian deity and prophet out there. catholics have idols but those are sanctioned christian idols so not perceived as "false"
Rugbyrah
Roar Rookie
The kabah could be percieved as an idol.
Rugbyrah
Roar Rookie
The birth certificate issue is an attack on women. It will mean men can compete in women's sports, go to women's jail, go for jobs targeted spefically for women, get female scholarships, etc. All the years of women striving for equality and recognition is being destroyed. Even Martina Navratalova does not agree.
Rugbyrah
Roar Rookie
The madman in Chistchurch descibed himself as an eco facist who was taking action on population issues by targeting those who have the highest birth rates. This was in his manifesto. He is a greenie terrorist.
ClassAct
Guest
It’s high time we started respecting the opinions of others including Izzy’s. We need to be more tolerant of Jews, Gypsies, Ragheads and other cultures. Come one, come all, hold hands. We are one people. We are the World
Rugbyrah
Roar Rookie
And that is theophobia.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
If that is the case for you, then gay day or prade may be not tolerant for Folau.
CUW
Roar Rookie
@ Nobrain i suppose the guy who went crazy in Christchurch also was expressing his view. oh he did that infact with some 60 sheets long post !!! freedom of expression shud not allow someone to intrude / affect another person(s).
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
If he king of cool is there, that’s where I’m aiming to be!
piru
Roar Rookie
All the cool people will be there, I'd rather hang out with Hunter S, Jim Morrison and Steve McQueen than the pope
Rugbyrah
Roar Rookie
Theophobic hate speech is certainly not tolerant.
Double Agent
Guest
It's news to me that drunks are going to hell. What about well meaning drunks? Ones that apologise profusely while knocking over wine glasses or dropping baby nieces at christenings? I hope they're ok.
Double Agent
Guest
I went to a Church of England school back in the 70s and 80s and that's how the bible was interpreted. Admittedly the Reverends were a bit half hearted on the subject. There was no fire and brimstone. It's amazing how quickly views that seemed acceptable only 40 years ago have become antiquated and repulsive. I don't believe in Hell so I'm not bothered that people like Izzy think that's where I'm headed. (Unless I repent of course.)
Hoges
Roar Rookie
If one of his follows was a teenager who was struggling with their sexuality but belong to a deeply religious family read his tweets and it the spiral into a deep depression and as a result they killed them-self would you still say his comments are not hurtful??
Hoges
Roar Rookie
I thought the same thing Kane. The bible is quite clear that any deliberate, permanent disfiguring is a sin as we are all "apparently" born in "the image of god" whatever that means. It is actually one of the few sins that cannot be forgiven. Which basically means I can commit all of the sins Folau has listed and repent or ask for forgiveness and I am all good but get one tattoo and no matter how much good I do or how many times I ask for forgiveness I am still condemned to an eternity in hell. Doesn't make much sense to me but after all my preferred Sunday involves a hangover after excessive drinking while watching Saturday Rugby.