You’ve heard of Australian rugby player Isreal Folau, right? He’s the guy who was staunchly against the same sex couples being able to marry in Australia.
At the time, he took to Twitter and to share with followers that “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage.”
Well, he recently has made another comment on social media about LGBTQ folks that has landed him in hot water. Folau last week responded to a follower in an Instagram post who asked, “what was gods plan for gay people?”
Folau, who plays for the New South Wales Waratahs, input the following response, “HELL.. Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God.”
🙏☝️ #allglorytoGod pic.twitter.com/6XwkEV6GrH
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) April 8, 2018
As it turns out, that reply from Mr. Folau’s comments didn’t go over well at all with Rugby Australia or the New South Wales Waratahs. They are seeking an explanation from him and denounced the player.
He is now claiming he is being “persecuted” after the comments, and went on Twitter to share the following:
“blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
Now might be a good time for Folau to revisit Rugby Australia’s inclusion policy. It states the following:
“Rugby has and must continue to be a sport where players, officials, volunteers, supporters and administrators have the right and freedom to participate regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or religion and without fear of exclusion. There is no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game and our actions and words both on and off the field must reflect this.”
He meets with officials on Tuesday.
