Church weighs in on rights, wrong
THE NSW Waratahs squad will discuss Israel Folau’s antigay comments to ensure there is no division in the ranks.
Coach Daryl Gibson confirmed his players would meet to discuss the issue that has engulfed Australian rugby.
While Folau has some backers in the Waratahs team who are also devout Christians, others are alarmed by his statement that gays are destined for hell unless they repent.
There are no signs of a split over the issue, with the group understanding of the right to free speech, but the Tahs want to ensure that hostilities do not develop with Folau unable to guarantee to Rugby Australia that he won’t post more inflammatory comments.
“In a team you’re going to have a range of different beliefs on a number of different issues,” Gibson said.
“What we do agree on is the respect to hold a particular belief or view, and that freedom of expression. What we have to be mindful of is when we comment in public, how that’s maybe perceived or the ramifications of any comment.”
Gibson said Folau did not mean to cause offence by his comment, having met with RA boss Raelene Castle and Waratahs chief executive Andrew Hore on Tuesday.
“We’re a respectful, inclusive organisation, and I don’t think Israel meant to cause offence to anyone in the public,” Gibson said.
The saga took an unexpected turn yesterday when a church erected a giant sign outside its parish condemning Folau’s anti-gay comments.
The Gosford church’s priest Father Rod Bower said the rugby star was “ill-informed” about his interpretation of the Bible by stating that gays were destined for hell.
“He is contributing to mental violence towards LGBT people, but I don’t believe that’s his intention,” Fr Bower said. “It certainly is not hate speech, there is a fine line and I don’t think he’s crossed it, but his views are ill-informed, unwise and dangerous.”