Rugby Australia and Israel Folau have settled their legal dispute following a second day of court-ordered mediation proceedings.
The two parties agreed to terms of a confidential settlement, however in a joint statement released this afternoon, Rugby AU apologised for “any hurt or harm caused to the Folaus”.
Folau was sacked by the governing body earlier this year following a social media post stating that gay people, amongst other groups, would go to hell.
Rugby AU acknowledged that the post “reflected Mr Folau’s genuinely held religious beliefs, and Mr Folau did not intend to harm or offend any person”.
The statement also said that Rugby AU still “do not in any way agree with the content” which Folau posted.
Joint statement by Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby and Israel Folau
Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby and Israel Folau have today settled their legal dispute following the dismissal of Israel Folau after he posted a religious message on social media (the Social Media Post).The Social Media Post reflected Mr Folau’s genuinely held religious beliefs, and Mr Folau did not intend to harm or offend any person when he uploaded the Social Media Post. Mr Folau wants all Australians to know that he does not condone discrimination of any kind against any person on the grounds of their sexuality and that he shares Rugby Australia’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.
Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby do not in any way agree with the content of the Social Media Post. Inclusiveness is one of Rugby’s core values and it welcomes all people to the game, including all members of the LGBTI community. While it was not Rugby Australia’s intention, Rugby Australia acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused to the Folaus. Similarly, Mr Folau did not intend to hurt or harm the game of rugby and acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused.
Rugby Australia and Mr Folau wish each other well for the future. The Parties do not intend to comment further on the terms of their settlement as it is confidential.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Why would I ask her she's not the one claiming that it would have made a difference.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Classic cop out. “Oh it’s just my political view”. When you’re view is that certain people should not have some rights, that’s going beyond politics.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
Ask Castle about the clause the legal team drafted which was subsequently missed.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Well Folau's initial claim as lodged in Court was that, despite being bound by the code of conduct, his comments were a-ok because they were an aspect of his religious beliefs. That would not have changed despite the wording of any clauses in his contract. Depending on the wording OK so what would the wording have been to make things bullet proof ?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Not unless his argument was that he didn’t breach the code of conduct.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
No it would not. Folau challenged the enforceability of the code of conduct. He could challenge the enforceability of any clause
Kurt S
Roar Pro
Mightn't have chaged his right to instigate legal action. But would have greatly diminished his chances of having an outcome in his favour when compared to generic social media clauses. Nothing is a certainty in law.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
It would have made a massive difference if Falau had agreed to specific terms of what he could and could not post in a public forum. If he agreed to such terms and then failed to keep to them, he would clearly be in breach of contract. Depending on the wording, such a breach could have instantly triggered a get out option for ARU. Rookie mistake by Castle.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Nope I'm relying on the disparity between what Folau said and the claims that some of his supporters make on his behalf.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Quick - tell Dr Rumble he'd be pleased to know that.
Ruckin Oaf
Guest
Well the first time Folau just mentioned gays. (twitter 2018) The second time he listed what could be described as a grab-bag of ne'er-do-wells, which also included homosexuals. But at no stage did he say EVERYONE IS GOING TO HELL Hence a comment that claims Folau message was that EVERYONE IS GOING TO HELL would be a misrepresentation of what Folau acutally said. Hence straw man. Not really that hard to follow is it ?
soapit
Roar Guru
i suspect im pretty close to your position with the last paragraph having the most distance
piru
Roar Rookie
Tree I can see him doing well in a jump ball situation, but getting there would be the problem
elvis
Roar Rookie
No point throwing out debating terms without actually relating to facts. I see your false equivalence, and accuse you of a strawman!
cookie
Roar Guru
That all depends on who you talk to. All the different faiths have different practices and interpretations.. even within the same faith and sects of those. According to my good born again Christian friend .. I am going to hell because I am not Christened properly according to his church.. I’m going along with everyone else So it’s gonna be pretty crowded .. What one Believes and practices may earn you praise in one religion/sect but could well get you killed in another.. There is quite a well written article in the abc that touches on the same god question. https://www.abc.net.au/religion/do-jews-christians-and-muslims-worship-the-same-god/10096120 For the record.. I’m agnostic
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
So RA will be suing for defamation then (because to suggest that they paid such a high fee/damages would mean that RA loses face and would damage the organisation and individuals)? Keep sticking that head in the sand!
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Yeh Right! Folau's comments were not directed at Rugby but RA took offence!
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Given the vulnerability of young gay kids particularly young Polynesian kids in this situation his behaviour is reckless and has the potential to cause serious harm. Play with words and definitions if it makes you feel better Eric. He’s a homophobe. Love the way you are avoiding the other issue - life choices versus being born gay. Can’t respond to that one hey?
Malotru
Roar Rookie
I totally agree it's irrational Justin, but I don't consider it to be hatred, misguided paternalism perhaps. But then isn't there a certain amount of that in most religions?
Malotru
Roar Rookie
I am a little confused on this one cookie because I thought Jesus was the son of God. I also thought Muslims worship the same 'God' as Christians.