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In what could be a very complicating situation for the Wallabies and Waratahs, Israel Folau could be banned from entering New Zealand under Immigration law following his controversial comments on social media that gay people will go to ‘hell’.
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Former New Zealand immigration minister Tuariki Delamere told stuff.co.nz that Folau could be banned from entering the country due to his “bigotry against homosexuals”.
The former immigration minister who now works as an immigration lawyer labeled Folau as a “threat to the public”.
“There can be no doubt that he is a threat to the public interest and a threat to the public order,” he said.
Folau will meet with his employer Rugby Australia to discuss the matter while Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has backed Folau’s right to free speech.
“We’re a diverse group. We come from many different lands and we’re different individuals but we share the same common goal of wanting to be the best and represent our friends and family and fans as a team,” he said.
“We’re all different people and have different religious beliefs and everyone is entitled to them.”
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Rugby Australia CEO deflected judgment on Folau but firmly distanced Rugby Australia from the comments.
“Israel’s comment reflects his personal religious beliefs, however it does not represent the view of Rugby Australia or NSW Rugby,” she said in a statement.
Folau is married to Kiwi netball star Maria Tutaia and travels regularly to New Zealand for Super Rugby and International rugby commitments.
