Israel Folau says he is weighing up his options after having his multi-million-dollar Rugby Australia contract terminated for his divisive social media posts.
The Wallabies superstar maintains he has a “right to freedom of religion and the right to freedom of expression” and is “deeply saddened” by Friday’s decision.
Folau has 72 hours to appeal.
FULL ISRAEL FOLAU STATEMENT:
“It has been a privilege and an honour to represent Australia and my home state of New South Wales, playing the game I love
I am deeply saddened by today’s decision to terminate my employment and I am considering my options.
As Australians, we are born with certain rights, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to freedom of expression. The Christian faith has always been a part of my life and I believe it is my duty as a Christian to share God’s word.
Upholding my religious beliefs should not prevent my ability to work or play for my club and country.
I would like to thank my wife Maria for her love and encouragement to stay true to our beliefs. We have been humbled by the support we have received from family, friends, players, fans and the wider community.
Thank you also to those who have spoken out in my defence, some of whom do not share my beliefs but have defended my right to express them.”
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Depends on your point of view If you think Qantas's contributions and influence of RA is significant, then, yes.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
the Folau supporters that have tried to make this a fundamental rights issue. Yep probably because they don't have a lot else to work with.
aussierad
Roar Rookie
Interesting you mention Catholic and Labour Party. I think the influence is a lot less now.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Hang on isn't rugby the game they play in heaven ?
aussierad
Roar Rookie
The right wing nationalist type...just kidding... The Australian Christian Lobby, anglican diocese, evangelical etc. Most of the independent schools have lobbied parents of the schools.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I will bite. He didn’t say that all girls shouldn’t play sport, just his. Nor would they burn in hell if they did. so, this hypothetical isn’t a direct corollary. That said, If he was an active Australian sports star had made those comments, I am sure that similar questions asked of him. I would hope that he would be handed a similar punishment. I would hope that there would be more pressure, every parent with a daughter any anyone with a semblance of morality would be calling for him to be sacked. What if a White supremacist rugby star posted that all pacific islanders should be turned into slaves, it is, after all in the bible and it is their religious belief. It is the religous doctrines that need an overhaul, not the employment contracts.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
As they post on their smart phones. A product of godless technology.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
The labor party - backed by the Catholic church. Perhaps you should be more specific and qualify which religious folk you are speaking about.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Tony Abbot is anti SS Marriage and a climate change denyer in a safe liberal seat.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
So they can't run candidates of their own but they can be spoilers. Alongside Clive Palmer then I guess.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
quoting "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” (See that's an example of a quote)
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Free speech just doesn’t mean being able to say what you like as long as it aligns with your viewpoint. Yeah this is aussierad we're talking about. Consistency not a strong suit.
soapit
Roar Guru
jack, assuming there is a god, what evidence do you have that he's anything like the model put forward by any of the religions?
soapit
Roar Guru
if you want your employment to not be at risk due to things you say you need to choose a job that relies less on public image to pay your salary.
aussierad
Roar Rookie
By far the biggest aim for the religious folks is to ensure Labor does not get elected.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The community has disagreed. Sponsors and his employer have acted. He’s not facing any legal sanction.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
I missed your point then
Melburnian
Roar Pro
@jack What's your point? Professor Peter Higgs, who won the Nobel prize for theoretical physics in 2013 for his work on the Higgs boson and Dr Roger Penrose, are both confirmed atheists as was the late Professor Stephen Hawking.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District, was the case for intelligent design and well intelligent design didn't come out if it very well.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
But but but Jack has appeal to authority - one of the better logical fallacies. Who wouldn't be convinced by that.