Rugby star Israel Folau has told supporters that he offered to quit playing rugby following criticism of his statements suggesting gay people are headed “to hell”.
Yesterday the controversial player posted an lengthy article outlining why he had posted a comment to social media saying that God would send gay people to hell unless they repented for their sins.
Follau said he told Rugby Australia he was prepared to walk away from the gay if his views were deemed to be incompatible with being a professional player. He said he did not consider himself to be homophobic or bigoted and was stating his religious beliefs.
The player’s article has drawn a mixed response from within the sporting code. Former Australian captain Nick Farr-Jones voiced his support for Folau.
“I understand where he is coming from.” Farr-Jones told The Daily Telegraph. “I too am a Christian and therefore can fully understand what he is saying and what his faith and belief is.”
“I am sure that the way it was originally expressed has been taken by many people as a lack of judgment or intention to judge people,’ Farr-Jones said.
“But he was replying to a question and he was expressing his faith and belief. I understand exactly where Israel is coming from and he is an extremely compassionate person.”
Folau has also be supported by George Dansey, Captain of the Paramatta Eels, who said it the article was “commendable” and Folau was “standing up for his beliefs”.
Rugby Australia has reiterated that Folau will not face any disciplinary action for his comments and said he had made it clear that it was never his intention to upset anyone.
New Zealand player Brad Webber however said he disagreed with Folau’s position. In a series of posts on Twitter Webber said he would be disgusted to play against some who held views like Folau’s.
Political commentator Grahame Morris addressed the debate surrounding Israel Folau’s comments during Monday night’s edition of the ABC’s program Q&A.
Morris who was Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister, said people needed to remember that the same sex marriage survey was not a poll on whether it was acceptable to be gay.
“We had a vote here which said that the gay community could marry. We did not have a vote that says everyone has to wake up in the morning, including footballers like Folau, and say, ‘Hey, it’s a good idea to be gay.'”
Morris said it was problematic that the government had allowed a decision on same sex marriage before working out how religious freedoms would be handled. He said he was confident that the review being conducted by former Attorney General Phillip Rudock would successfully address the challenges.
“Luckily, a fella like Philip Ruddock, who is a very, very decent man and a caring man, I think will get it right.” Morris said.
Labor MP Amanda Rishworth, who was also on the panel, said she believed a balance of competing rights was required, but religious freedom should not trump other equally important rights.
OIP Staff
