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Rugby star claims free speech over anti-gay slur

Should Israel Folau be forced to keep his religious views off social media? Source: Getty

Rugby player Israel Folau has found himself in hot water over a series of messages he posted on social media that many are labelling “anti-gay”.

Last week, the 29-year-old athlete said that gay people were destined for hell. Folau originally uploaded a photograph to Instagram, suggesting that God’s plan wasn’t always an easy one. Folau is a Christian and regularly posts images and quotes online relating to his faith.

On this particularly instance, a fan asked what God’s plan was for gay people, to which Folau replied: “HELL, unless they repent their sins and turn to God.”

The comment has since been deleted, although it continues to be shared across social media. It’s not the first time he’s sparked controversy when it comes to the LGBT community. Last year, as Australia was debating whether gay marriage should be legalised, the Sydney-born star said he would be voting no.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhD-TOPhmzX/?taken-by=izzyfolau

“I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage, [SIC]” he tweeted at the time.

His stance towards gay people has put Rugby Australia in a difficult position. On one hand, the code emphasises its inclusiveness, with Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle releasing a statement to the media last week explaining that Folau’s recent comment reflects his religious beliefs and not the views of Rugby Australia or New South Wales Rugby.

She reiterated the fact that rugby remains a game for everyone, regardless of religion, gender, race, or sexuality. On the other, Folau’s comments have come under fire from a number of major sponsors including Land Rover, Asics and Qantas, who all strive for equality.

There are now fears that many major companies may pull out of their multi-million dollar sponsorships if Folau continues to post such messages. Folau met with Castle, his manager Isaac Moses and Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore on Tuesday to discuss his use of social media.

After the meeting, Castle told reporters Rugby Australia has agreed to continue its dialogue with Falau, but the player gave no firm commitment he’ll stop posting anti-gay comments. He did say, however, that he would think about it.

A spokesperson from Qantas told Starts at 60 the company wasn’t comfortable with Folau’s anti-inclusive views.

“As a sponsor of Rugby Australia, we’re supportive of their approach towards tolerance and inclusion, which aligns with our own,” they said. “We’ve made it clear to Rugby Australia that we find the comments very disappointing.”

Folau had hinted prior to the meeting that he wouldn’t be keeping quiet about his religious beliefs. On Sunday, he posted a message from the New Testament reading of Matthew 5:11-13.

It read: “blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”

While many think that Folau should keep his views off social media, others argue he’s entitled to his opinion.

Writing an opinion piece for The Australian last week, radio presenter Alan Jones said that Folau should be entitled to express his view.

“There are more important things in the world of rugby than telling people what they can say or think,” he wrote, noting that silencing Folau was the least of Rugby Australia’s problems.

What do you think? Should Folau have to back down from his views because they offend people, or should he be entitled to his personal views?

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