Scott Morrison called a Federal Election. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange was arrested in London. The verdict in the Geoffrey Rush defamation case was handed down.
Yesterday was the opposite of a slow news day.
But none of those big-ticket items dominated the Australian news cycle as much as Israel Folau and his decision to share an Instagram post on Wednesday night condemning groups of people to hell and damnation, including people who identify as gay.
On Thursday night, Rugby Australia and the NSWRU released a joint statement, announcing that, without any “compelling mitigating factors” in sight, they intend to tear his contract up.
I applaud Rugby AU for the decision and for their commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.
(AAP Image/Daniel Munoz)
Many people have claimed that Folau has a right to free speech and to hold whatever beliefs he likes.
This is true. Folau does have a right to believe in whatever he likes and, within the bounds of the law, to say whatever he likes. But he is not immune from the consequences of saying whatever he likes. These consequences could be wide-ranging, including sponsorships being withdrawn, criticism on social media and, most significantly, termination of his playing contract.
Folau’s contract was not terminated because of what he believes in. His contract was terminated because he broke it. This was made clear last night in Raelene Castle and Andrew Hore’s joint statement:
“Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality…
“As a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.”
Had Folau decided to hold these beliefs and keep them to himself, then the situation would have played out differently. There wouldn’t have even been a situation.
But when he agreed to his new contract, he signed up for another four years of being a representative of rugby in Australia. A sport that has, particularly over the last few years, affirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.
Rugby is a family, one where everyone is welcome. Folau’s posts share the very opposite view and are inconsistent with the views of his employer.
His contract reportedly included a clause or clauses stipulating he is unable to share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality.
The same sanctions would face me if I posted material on social media which breached the terms of my employment contract.
Rugby AU had no choice. How could they allow someone to keep playing for the Wallabies after he broke an understanding between the two parties? How could they possibly allow him to continue to stand alongside teammates who may identify as gay, or wear the same colours as the Australian Wallaroos, some of whom may also identify as gay?
What I am still struggling to understand is: why? What did he have to gain from posting this?
(AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Folau was warned about his social media behaviour after he did the same thing last year, so surely knew he had everything to lose. And this time he has lost his right to play for Australia.
He doesn’t seem to care about the immense power of his words and the tremendous hurt they can cause, in particular to young men and women struggling with their sexuality. This lack of empathy for other people is something that I struggle with and is also inconsistent with the very book that Folau holds in the highest esteem.
I’d also like to take a moment to applaud the actions of the NRL. On Thursday night, Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter Beattie banned Folau from the NRL and made it clear the ARLC backs the stance Rugby AU has taken.
This week was a watershed moment in Australian sport. It demonstrated how much times have changed and how much rugby has changed. In the past, sexist, homophobic and racist views might have been tolerated. Rugby AU has made it very clear that this is no longer the case.
And the Australian rugby family will become stronger because of it.
Mr.Media
Roar Rookie
In that case isn't the ARU run by thickheads who don't deserve to be there? And corrupt individuals who are hypocrites themselves since they react to one group but not another? How are they representing most Rugby players and fans when they criticize a verse from the Bible ( 51% of Australians are Christians) and instead support 'LGBT' (1.5% of Australians) ...?
Mr.Media
Roar Rookie
It says nothing about "politics" in the rules of Rugby, or the Code of conduct, or in any training or coaching manual, yet you say they are 'absolutely linked' ??? Linked by what, an invisible rope? Some 'expert' .....!!!!
Nick
Roar Guru
Qantas doesn't tell people what to do, and nor does Emirates when they come here. Emirates aren't handing out Koran's on the plane and telling all they are infidels bound for hell. Folau is much worse.
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
I wish you had kept your beliefs to yourself Mary
JollyGreenChemist
Roar Rookie
Either free speech exists or it does not. When you say "hate" speech you just mean "speech I dislike and want silenced". Who gets to determine what "hate" speech is? The only fair answer is nobody.
Redbeard
Roar Rookie
Mary do you honestly believe Izzy’s post was homophobic ?? Honestly?
Neil
Guest
I think the myriad of outstanding scientific research into that statement showing the opposite outcome may be lost here.
Neil
Guest
So when are you guys going to just ban the bible and outlaw and prosecute Christians? It's the logical next step... They do it in China and all the communist, marxist places... Didn't work out but let's give it a bash hey comrades?
Ath
Roar Rookie
There is a great distinction between the right to criticise and the right to wield consequences. Freedom of speech is by definition not free if the consequence is the speaker loses their life, or their freedom, or their job. Nor is it free speech if only some may speak. By all means criticise Israel Folau for his views. They are old views, views shared by millions, perhaps billions, around the world and many in Australia, but as so wonderfully demonstrated last year they are not the majority view here. It can not, must not, matter whether those views are the voice of many or the voice of one. When our society devolves to such that we imprison others for their beliefs or take their livelihoods for their views, it is no longer society but tyranny.
clipper
Roar Rookie
As others have pointed out, he's a staunch Catholic, so his views are bound to be biased.
clipper
Roar Rookie
You've made the mistake of confusing Emirates (the organisation I presume you refer to) with UAE the country. Emirates has a pretty inclusive policy and it's really only the hardcore that are extreme. Most in Dubai, at least, are pretty tolerant.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
Good article Mary - I totally agree :)
NY Giant Eagles
Roar Rookie
That isn't true. Being homosexual is NOT a sin. Acting on those desires, according to the Bible, is a sin. I'm not saying that makes it any easier, just clarifying what Christians actually believe.
NY Giant Eagles
Roar Rookie
Sorry but your statement is nonsense. "To debunk this lie, go and look at data from Belgium and Scandinavia. The incidence of suicide in these countries, which are gay-friendly, remains very high because beneath all of this is identity discomfort,” -Massimo Gandolfini, director of neuroscience and head of neurosurgery at the Poliambulanza Foundation in Brescia
Mark
Guest
Thats the point right there Whilst I find Folau and his idiotic 1st century views abhorrent - do you really want some leftist telling what you can and cant think, can and cant say and can and cant say? Think about it Where does that lead
Mark
Guest
You have been watching too much Blackadder
Mark
Guest
Really Doing the thing that everyone demands of them is showing leadership You clearly don't have a clue what real leadership is Leadership is doing what is right despite what everyone is saying All RA have done is bow to the wishes of the sponsors Nothing more Whether that is the right thing or not I will leave to others But as to showing leadership - do me a favour - its not even close - RA are nothing but sheeple
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
As Christianity declines the world gets better. I'm sure we'll be just fine.
elvis
Roar Rookie
RO do you believe that every discussion on here should end in name calling and insults? I'd hope you would hold yourself to a higher standard of behaviour, just because free speech lets you insult someone, doesn't mean you have to.
NY Giant Eagles
Roar Rookie
So basically QANTAS is happy to take the money from a country that promotes active intolerance but the ARU is not allowed to employ Folau who says certain actions are wrong. By the way which of us hasn’t lied at some point? Or are we in the business of selective outrage?