In the wake of prolific Australian Rugby player Israel Folau’s volatile comments that condemned homosexuals among other so-called ‘sinners’ to hell, the demand for his contract to be terminated has been loud and clear.
Folau is an active member of the Assemblies of God fellowship and vocally passionate about his Christian faith. He has a history of sharing discriminatory anti-gay comments on social media, and the latest additions need to be the nail in the coffin that is his rugby career.
First he tweeted in reference to Tasmania’s decision to legislate gender optional birth certificates, warning that, “the devil has blindsided so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways”.
This was quickly followed up with an Instagram post, listing people who will end up in Hell unless they repent. The list includes “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, and idolaters, with the message, “HELL AWAITS YOU.”
Israel Folau is reportedly being investigated by the Australian Rugby Union’s integrity unit for his anti-gay comments, though there was no action taken when he previously shared similar sentiments.
Rugby Australia has condemned Folau’s recent comments, but it’s the responses from the LGBTQI+ sporting community that we really need to listen to. They are the ones on the front line, existing and working in spaces where these discriminatory attitudes are still so potent. They are the people who are leading the culture change that rugby needs from the inside out.
Former British and Irish Lions captain Gareth Thomas is one of the many LGBTQI+ athletes that have spoken out in response to Folau’s homophobic statements. The sentiment he shared on Twitter is the definition of taking the high road, as he offered his sympathy to Folau and uplifted the people who would be most hurt by the comments.
Thomas’ message was replied to by All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder with a rainbow and love heart emoji in support.
Carl Fearns, who plays for Lyon in France, responded on Twitter with a cheeky quip calling out the cruelty of any religious beliefs that discriminate and oppress.
If heaven is full of people like Israel Folau then you can count me out. #sinforthewin #athiest
— Carl Fearns (@Carl_Fearns) April 10, 2019
England prop Joe Marler shared a simple response directly to Folau on Twitter – a picture of two men kissing.
❤️ @IzzyFolau pic.twitter.com/7Kxdt8Ucu8
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) April 10, 2019
The organisations that are fighting against the stigma and discrimination of the LGBTQI+ community in rugby have also spoken up on the matter.
“The effects these hateful comments will have on LGBT people are enormously harmful,” said Ben Owen, head of International Gay Rugby.
“We want all LGBT athletes out there to know that rugby is a sport where you are welcome and respected, a sport of values that doesn’t allow for such bigotry or discrimination of any kind.”
People like Israel Folau might be loud, but the community against him will keep fighting back until that is louder. They’re the ones having to cop the brunt of the discrimination from within sports like rugby, and they’re the ones we should be listening to.
Hopefully Rugby Australia listens and terminates Folau’s contract, as they should have long ago.