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Former Wallaby winger Clyde Rathbone has labelled Israel Folau “a religious lunatic” following the star’s string of homophobic social media posts where he announced his belief that gay people would be sent to ‘HELL’ unless they ‘repent their sins and turn to God’.
26-Test Wallaby Rathbone has delivered a scathing social media post of his own, criticising Folau for his conduct after the Waratahs fullback shared another controversial post on Twitter this week.
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Earlier in the week Folau tweeted an 11-minute video of a sermon that contained criticisms of same-sex marriage and gay people.
“It has become painfully clear that Australia’s best rugby player is a religious lunatic bent on self-immolation,” Rathbone tweeted.
“As the ARU thumb through their ‘Inclusion’ Policy’ they would do well to heed [human rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali]’s insight that ‘Tolerance of intolerance is cowardice’.”
With great love i wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it. Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don't harden your heart https://t.co/PtDoPCQDco
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) May 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/ClydeRathbone/status/994343828910882816
Rathbone’s comments come after new Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle admitted her struggles in dealing with the Folau situation.
Folau’s off-field actions have gone unsanctioned thus far, despite Castle’s admission that he was ‘walking the line’.
She insists though that has nothing to do with the governing body being eager to retain Folau beyond 2018 when his contract expires.
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“In my career, this is singularly the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with,” Castle told Fox Sports’ Kick & Chase.
“There’s no black and white answer.
“On the one hand, you’re dealing with a human rights issue. On the other hand, you’re dealing with freedom of speech and someone’s right to express their views, whether it be religious or otherwise.
“I think the test continues to be whether that’s done in a respectful way, so that’s the measure that we’ll continue to apply.”
Australian television host Karl Stefanovic has also addressed Folau’s views, issuing a passionate response on The Today Show.
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"Israel you have the right to say what you want, but at least show a little more compassion and love, as the Bible teaches." #9Today pic.twitter.com/U0vN3qLY4w
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) May 9, 2018
Stefanovic urged Folau to show “a little more compassion and love as the Bible teaches us”.
“When he posted that video yesterday, I think it went from a man responding to a question about his beliefs to provocation, and even persecution,” Stefanovic said.
“Life for many is tough, Israel. You’ve had your challenges, your struggles, we all have. So please bear this in mind. What about that young person at rugby training tonight struggling with their sexuality? What about the children and family of gay parents? What about those being tortured and bullied just for who they are?
“Israel, you have the right to say what you want, but at least show a little more compassion and love as the bible teaches.”
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