People Are Pissed That Israel Folau Got An Apology From Rugby Australia
The Instagram post where he said 'gays go to hell' is still up.
The case between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia has finally been settled.
Wondering what the consequences are for Folau, who famously had his footy contract torn up for telling gay people they’d go to hell?
Well, turns out he gets an apology, as well as a big payout.
Yeah, cool.
Rugby Australia and Folau released a joint statement this afternoon, which basically excused his homophobic social media post because it reflected his “genuinely held religious beliefs”. The post in question was uploaded back in April, and is still up on his Instagram account.
While objectively his post was discriminatory, the real issue was not his homophobic religious beliefs (although those in the ‘free speech’ camp tried to argue otherwise).
The issue was always the fact he breached his contract.
How disgraceful. This homophobe doesnt deserve any money or apology.
— Michael Scalia (@MichaelScalia86) December 4, 2019
As a gay man I’m so disappointed in your backdown on Falaou.
— working hard for a living (@Nuovoboy) December 4, 2019
Very disappointing he didn’t deserve compensation he is nothing more than a bigot sprouting his own hate filled agenda and you’ve just rewarded him for it. Shame on you !!!
— Steph Mitchell (@angelwish38) December 4, 2019
RA really, really need to explain themselves here. An apology from them seems massively inappropriate, and a weak capitulation, given what he did. By all means keep the $’s confidential, but clarify the apology.
— Tim Parker (@pozlit) December 4, 2019
He should not have got a red cent 😡
— 🌱💧Libby Daly 🇨🇦🇦🇺 (@libby94949) December 4, 2019
A month after he made the post his contract was ripped up by an independent panel, who judged the post to be a high-level breach of the Professional Players’ Code of Conduct. It came after several other warnings over his social media use.
Today, the statement from Rugby Australia and Folau referred to his homophobic post as “a religious message”.
“Mr Folau wants all Australians to know that he does not condone discrimination of any kind against any person on the grounds of their sexuality,” it also said.
Again, may I refer you to his Instagram post where he explicitly discriminated against people purely on the basis of their sexuality. The statement also included an apology from Folau for any hurt or harm caused.
For what it’s worth, Rugby Australia said they did not in any way agree with the content of Folau’s post.
“Inclusiveness is one of Rugby’s core values and it welcomes all people to the game, including all members of the LGBTI community,” it said.
You can read the full statement here:
Joint statement by @RugbyAU, @NSWWaratahs and Israel Folau. https://t.co/8E61Fg0VX8
— Rugby Australia (@RugbyAU) December 4, 2019