Folau religious comments 'unacceptable'
NEWS: Wallaby utility back Israel Folau could be heading for a showdown with Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle, after he again took to social media to express his religious beliefs.
Folau posted a message on his Instagram account in which he said that “hell awaits” “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators” — adding they should “repent” as “only Jesus saves”.
He added: “Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him.”
Rugby Australia released a terse statement in which they said they are “aware” of a post made by Israel Folau on his Instagram account.
“The content within the post is unacceptable. It does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the Rugby community,” the statement said.
“The Rugby Australia Integrity Unit has been engaged on the matter.”
It is not the first time Folau has caused a storm with his religious views.
Last year he escaped sanction by Rugby Australia for a series of tweets containing anti-homosexual messages.
Castle at the time warned Folau about his comments.
Castle had said she’d told Folau that he should use social media in a ‘positive’ manner.
“We want athletes in our code that are prepared to do that and that’s really important, but at the same time Rugby Australia has also got a policy and position of inclusion and using social media with respect,” Castle said.
“Both of us are going to go away and continue that dialogue and work through how we continue to use our social media platforms in a way that can ensure that our stakeholders are respected.”
Folau later stated his position in a column for Players Voice.
“I don’t expect everyone to believe what I believe,” wrote Folau. “That goes for teammates, friends and even family members, some of whom are gay.
“I don’t pretend to have all the answers in life. It can be difficult making the right decisions.
“You are always trying to reconcile the truth from the Bible with things you feel inside. But I have faith that God’s path is the right one and that path is outlined in the Bible. I will keep sharing that.”
On Wednesday, he also tweeted a screenshot of a news article about Tasmania making gender optional on birth certificates.
* Additional reporting by Fox Sports
