It seems as though everyone has an opinion on footballer Israel Folau and the anti-gay comments he made on social media last week.
Liberal MP Tim Wilson, who famously proposed to his partner Ryan Bolger after a same-sex marriage bill was introduced to the Lower House last year, defended Folau’s right to say what he wants on social media.
29-year-old Folau found himself in trouble when he posted a series of messages to social media that many people considered “gay slurs”. Last week, he said that gay people are destined for hell.
He 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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhD-TOPhmzX/?utm_source=ig_embed
In this particular 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.”
While the comment has been deleted, Folau has faced backlash. He was forced to have a meeting with Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle, his manager Isaac Moses and Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore on Tuesday to discuss his use of social media. There were fears he would need to censor the messages he uploaded, after major Rugby sponsors including Qantas expressed their disappointment that Folau’s message didn’t match one they agreed with.
A spokesperson from Qantas previously 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.”
Shortly after the meeting, Castle told reporters Rugby Australia has agreed to continue its dialogue with Folau, but the player gave no firm commitment he’ll stop posting anti-gay comments. He did say, however, that he would think about it.
Speaking on Saturday morning’s episode of Today, Wilson said he didn’t think Folau had done anything wrong.
“He might have done things on the basis of morals, he might have done something on the basis of civility, but he certainly hasn’t done anything on the basis of law,” Wilson said. “If you want a free society, and I do, a country where people are free to express their opinions and be held to account for them, all he’s done is exposed himself to the nation as having a very, shall we say, narrow view about humanity and obviously he’s exposed himself as having deep religious conviction.”
Peter FitzSimons, who was also on the show to discuss the issue, agreed with Wilson. He explained that he didn’t feel Folau had broken the law by expressing his opinion. He described it as “an outrageous view”.
The pair aren’t the only personalities to express their opinions. Talkback king Alan Jones said that while he didn’t agree with the comments the footballer made, he should be entitled to say them without sponsors threatening to pull out.
Ironically, Folau also expressed his displeasure at the thought of same-sex marriage in Australia. At the time, he said he wouldn’t be supporting the idea.
“I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage, [SIC]” he tweeted.