But he doesn’t have freedom from consequences. Israel Folau urged those targeted in the post to "turn away from your sin". Israel Folau has freedom of speech. The content within the post is unacceptable,” the statement said. Israel Folau’s rugby career appears over after an independent panel backed Rugby Australia’s intention to rip up his four-year, $4m contract following the player’s controversial social media … Israel Folau shared a ‘meme’. I write with sympathy,” the 44-year-old wrote. Israel Folau was a professional rugby union footballer who also played Australian rules football and rugby league. He is misusing this biblical passage by projecting judgments about homosexuality and "modern" beliefs about hell into it. The Rugby Australia integrity unit has been engaged on the matter tonight.”. But she’s just become part of it. Qantas has not yet commented on Folau’s most recent posts. I write with sympathy. He was sacked for saying "hell awaits" gay people, after previously being warned over his social media posts. Folau made 73 appearances for Australia's rugby union side but has now switched back to Rugby League, the code which kickstarted his professional career. “I don’t write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau’s comments. Folau is under contract until 2022, has won 73 caps and is a key part of Michael Cheika’s plans for the tournament in Japan. Be the better person and be YOU. Sacked Wallabies star Israel Folau claims the bushfires that have devastated the nation and left six Australians dead are God’s punishment for legalising abortion and same-sex marriage. pic.twitter.com/BWSWTMye98, — Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) April 10, 2019. Super League Executive Chairman Robert Elstone also expressed his concern over the signing. 1. Image: Getty “When we say rugby is a game for all, we mean it. Recognise that society is largely Biblically illiterate. "I'm a proud Christian, my beliefs are personal, my intention is not to hurt anyone and I will not be making further public comment about them. Folau issued a message on the social media platform that said “hell awaits” gay people. Idolaters. Having said all of this, it nonetheless seems to me outrageous that Israel Folau is to be sacked for stating his religious perspectives. Folau also shared a message on Twitter in response to Tasmania’s new law making it the first state or territory in Australia to make the inclusion of gender optional on birth certificates. The Australian Christian Lobby has renewed calls for controversial footballer Israel Folau to be handed a NRL lifeline, but it’s fallen on deaf ears at head office. It’s about time. For many Christians, Israel Folau has become the talisman in the fight for religious freedom. Hell awaits you.”, Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Catalans Dragons Chairman Bernard Guasch said he wanted to give Folau a new opportunity and that the club, which is based in the French city of Perpignan, does not share or condone his expressed beliefs. Israel Folau did not quote the Bible. "However the moral responsibility for deciding whether to sign a player sits with individual clubs,". The controversial image has gained over 16,000 likes and … Folau, a Christian, argued that the termination of his contract was a case of religious discrimination. It's like the saying, I think he protests too much. Keegan Hirst, who plays for Rugby League side Wakefield Trinity, said he was "shocked and disappointed" about the decision in a tweet about Folau. “We are taking a keen interest on the findings of Rugby Australia’s Integrity Unit when they meet tonight and applaud the union for taking the stance that these kinds of comments are unacceptable.”. "The player has not been charged or found guilty of any criminal offense. What did Israel Folau say? Thieves. Updated 1808 GMT (0208 HKT) January 28, 2020. “The effects these hateful comments will have on LGBT people are enormously harmful,” the organisation said in a statement: “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. “To everyone who reads it, don’t be influenced by his words. RELATED: Edwina Bartholomew reacts to Israel Folau’s cancelled GoFundMe campaign. Israel Folau’s belief that gay people go to hell is not niche. Rugby Australia swiftly released a statement condemning the comments by the former NRL and AFL star, who is a devout Christian, and now face a moral dilemma about Folau’s future in the sport just five months before the World Cup in June. Following news of Folau's signing, fellow Super League club Wigan Warriors announced its next match against the Catalans Dragons on March 22 will now be Pride Day, with players wearing Rainbow socks and laces. Australian rugby player Israel Folau has been sacked over an Instagram post that declared gay people, drunks and adulterers, among others, would go to hell if they did … One described it as a "sect". Homosexuals. Raelene Castle claims the decision to … Folau is a hardline Christian who also recently claimed fatal bushfires were God's punishment for legalising abortion and same-sex marriage. Israel Folau's belief that any Christian who wasn't "born again" would go to hell proved his congregation had deviated far from mainstream Christianity, Christian ministers have said. The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle opted not to sanction Folau at that point, despite his comments angering Wallabies’ name sponsor Qantas, which threatened to pull its support. Israel Folau says bushfires are God’s judgement for legalising same-sex marriage and abortion. "I have sought the opinion of informed voices connected to our game, and the majority share my disappointment that one of our clubs has chosen to sign him,", "There is a strong feeling that the decision to sign him lets down many people connected to our sport. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him. "Our great game is tasked with fighting against homophobia and standing up for the values it puts such high stock in,", "It shows none of the bravery, camaraderie or integrity @rfl [the league] expects from its players, staff and fans. — Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) April 10, 2019 In related news, Israel’s brother John, who is also a professional rugby player, was recently granted some time off from playing with the Waratahs, with the head coach saying that the 24-year-old had been Wallabies star Israel Folau has refused to apologise for comments about gay people, but admits he was 'disrespectful'. Israel Folau sacked by Rugby Australia over his hateful anti-gay comments. “Folau’s comments are just one example of how much work is still left to do to combat discrimination and the use of hateful language against lesbian, gay, bi and trans people,” Kirsty Clarke, director of sport at British-based LGBT charity Stonewall told PA Sport. Acts 17:30 KJV _______________, A post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau) on Apr 10, 2019 at 1:18am PDT. The hateful anti-gay comments threatening rugby player's career. what"s wrong with being an atheist?, there is no evidence of there being a god ! | (Screenshot: YouTube/Rugby.com.au) Israel Folau, a Christian rugby star from Australia, has tweeted Jesus' words on persecution as found in the Sermon on the Mount, days after sparking public furor when he said gay people are going to Hell unless they repent. Those who defend Folau by saying that he is just quoting the Bible are wrong. Whoever YOU is..Hell doesn’t await YOU. He was one of the top players in the game until his sacking in mid-2019 due to his breach of Rugby Australia’s code of conduct. In a post to Instagram, his image read: “Warning: Drunks. “It’s important that Rugby Australia have stepped up to challenge Folau’s abusive comments. (AAP: Lukas Coch) Israel Folau (Tongan: Isileli Folau; born 3 April 1989) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a centre for the Catalans Dragons in the Betfred Super League. NSW Waratahs and Qantas Wallabies star fullback Israel Folau has come under fire for social media comments he has made against the gay and transgender communities. The 30-year-old also suggested that the recent Australia's bushfires and droughts are punishments from God for the country's same-sex and abortion laws. Fornicators. The concept of "hell" that Folau is talking about was developed later in church history. People need greater context in which to understand from where Christians are coming with regards to Biblical morals. Who Is Israel Folau? He is doing more than just throwing biblical quotes around. He held a prayer circle with supporters outside court before talks began on Monday. "Here at Wigan Warriors we are committed to the core values of Inclusion and Respect," said, "Our community foundation have a long history of supporting local LGBTQ+ groups and initiatives, and we want everyone who engages with our game to feel welcome, valued and most of all, respected.". Folau’s path back to the NRL will only come if a club makes an official application for a contract, after he was denied a meeting with league bosses in February. Folau’s Super Rugby team the NSW Waratahs have also released a statement this morning condemning his comments. Maria Folau hasn’t said a word about her husband’s scandal. Galatians 5:19-21 KJV _______________ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (CNN)Israel Folau, who was embroiled in a lengthy dispute with Rugby Australia over an anti-gay post on social media, has signed a one-year contract with Super League side Catalans Dragons. He said the nation’s laws on abortion and homosexuality have led to the bush fires and drought Australia has recently experienced. “It does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the rugby community. Israel Folau and his wife, former netball player Maria Folau, pose together in a selfie posted on social media +4 The sacked Wallabies star sparked outrage on … International Gay Rugby, the global organisation for the world’s gay and inclusive rugby clubs, also hit out at the 30-year-old. Happiness awaits YOU.”. "I look forward to my return to the great game of Rugby League with the Catalans Dragons.". At the heart of this farce is a single, massive lie. Former British and Irish Lion Gareth Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, took to Twitter to say: "I don't write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau's comments. He has previously played Australian rules football and rugby union.In 2019, he became the record holder for most tries scored in Super Rugby history. His comments go against Rugby Australia’s inclusion policy. Israel Folau agreed his post hurt people but said he would not stop, Rugby Australia claims RA’s chief executive, Raelene Castle, claims former player said … _______________ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these , adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Acts 2:38 KJV _______________ And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him. The Aboriginal First XI: Australia's first international cricket team. "I acknowledge the views expressed by Super League and the Rugby Football League,". Israel Folau, who was embroiled in a lengthy dispute with Rugby Australia over an anti-gay post on social media, Folau said as his new club announced his signing, Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videos. making similar anti-gay messages on social media. Folau, a Christian, argued he was a victim of religious discrimination. The parties had settled for a confidential amount, according to a … A video of Israel Folau doubling down on his homophobic beliefs and taking aim at the government in a church sermon, accusing it of allowing children to change their gender, has emerged on the internet. Where did it all go wrong for the European Super League? Last year Folau angered his employers by making similar anti-gay messages on social media. Former Wallabies star Israel Folau has moved to clarify comments he made earlier this month suggesting the devastating bushfires that ravaged parts of Australia were God’s way of punishing the country for legalising same-sex marriage. He seems to be rather obsessed with and fixated on homosexuality. Star Rugby player (or ex-Rugby player) Israel Folau is in the news again for appealing to ancient Israel and the issue of natural disasters and the judgments of God. “Rugby Australia is aware of a post made by Israel Folau. “The more players, fans, clubs and organisations that stand up for equality, the sooner we kick discrimination out and make sport everyone’s game,” former Wales international Gareth Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, responded to Folau’s comments on Twitter. What I would say to Israel Folau is I admire your courage but encourage you to speak the truth in a way that people can understand that it comes from a motivation of love. Israel Folau's comments put LGBT youth at risk - he should be sacked "I do not know the person who asked the question, but that didn't matter. Many feared his views would damage Christianity, but they backed the famous footballer's right to express them. Israel Folau has signed for Catalans Dragons. The truth is Folau may not always be as tactful or delicate as some of these craven Christians and men-pleasing believers want him to be, but he has courage and conviction. "However distasteful his previous comments, we don't believe that, under our current regulatory framework, these can prevent his participation in the sport.". At the core of a free society is the idea that every person is free to choose what he or she does and doesn’t believe about life, God and reality, and is free to say … And given that Folau did basically nothing but quote from Peter and Paul who were inspired by God to say and write what they did, these critics are simply out to lunch. Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Adulterers. The fullback’s social media activity has drawn reaction from around the rugby world. 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Israel Folau in an interview with Rugby.com.au on October 22, 2017. The Rugby Football League -- the sport's governing body -- said allowing the signing had been a "difficult decision" and deplored the player's previous comments. Atheists. _______________ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these , adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Lies, lies, lies. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free. RA boss Raelene Castle and Israel Folau. 250SharesAn article recently published by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age makes the claim that Israel Folau’s “controversial” Instagram post was a “misquote of the Bible.” Advertisement The piece attempts to prove this point by suggesting Folau’s post was a citation of Galatians 5:19-21, a passage which makes no mention of “homosexuality” or even […] Israel Folau has found himself in hot water again after the rugby star shared a graphic on Instagram paraphrasing a portion of the New Testament. (CNN) Israel Folau, who was embroiled in a lengthy dispute with Rugby Australia over an anti-gay post on social media, has signed a one-year contract with Super League side Catalans Dragons. Israel Folau arrives ahead of his conciliation meeting with Rugby Australia. Scott Morrison has blasted Israel Folau's "appallingly insensitive" comments, while Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese called the sacked Wallabies star "reprehensible". 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