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Folau resurfaces, has no regrets over controversial posts

Author
Newstalk ZB, NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Fri, 12 Apr 2019, 3:19PM

Folau resurfaces, has no regrets over controversial posts

Author
Newstalk ZB, NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Fri, 12 Apr 2019, 3:19PM

Israel Folau has been seen in public for the first time since making anti-gay comments that have effectively ended his Australian rugby career.

Rugby Australia (RA) released a statement saying it plans to terminate the Wallabies star's contract after he sparked controversy by posting a message on Instagram declaring "hell awaits" homosexuals unless they repent for their "sins".

Folau was spotted at a cafe in Sydney's eastern suburbs with his wife Maria and two other men.

The 30-year-old was asked by reporters if he had any regrets over the comments, to which he replied "no" before getting into a car and driving away, reports 7News.

Folau's appearance comes after it was revealed RA had tried to contact Folau and his representatives in the wake of the scandal, only for phone calls to go unreturned.

Folau has been slammed for his comments as sports stars, sponsors and politicians took aim at the Waratahs flyer.

MP Louisa Wall believes Folau's case is an employment dispute rather than a philosophical debate.

Wall, a former Silver Fern and Black Fern who got the private member's same sex marriage bill passed by parliament in 2013, says Folau is not simply speaking for himself. 

"He is speaking for Australian Rugby, he is speaking for Qantas, and they are saying we don't like what you say and if you are going to continue to do it, we won't continue to employ you."

She says Folau's comments should be viewed in conjuction with similar remarks he made last year.

"He's completely ignored what he previously agreed to. If he wants to stand on his principles, good on him, but if he thinks he's an individual within that context, he's deluded."


Folau's been silent since.

 

 

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