Player has a right to utter gay slur, but . . .

‘‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.’’ – Voltaire/Evelyn Beatrice Hall

Australian rugby star Israel Folau has stated his belief that gay people are destined for hell. As a consequence there have been calls to bar him from New Zealand.

I expect to be able to speak my mind in a free society, even if it hurts some, so I can hardly condemn Mr Folau on the same grounds. His sentiments are no different than those expressed in any number of New Zealand churches. They weep from the holy text upon which many place their right hands when swearing to tell the truth in court.

People deserve rights, ideas do not. Expressing an opinion does not (and should not) immunise you from criticism. We are free to disagree with Mr Folau and sponsors are free to withdraw their patronage.

There are many different arenas in life. The rules that apply in your lounge are different from those of the workplace or public domains.

It is ironic that if I proclaimed my admiration for Nazi ideology, declare Hitler the bee’s knees and his book

Mein Kampf the answer to all our social problems and Jews a race worthy of death, few would hesitate to call me exactly what I was – a racist genocidal douche. I doubt my job prospects would be good.

Stick a god in there and suddenly the same sentiments expressed about gays and it’s religious privilege. Mr Folau has expressed his faith-based opinion. I have replied the imprimatur of an insubstantial deity doesn’t immunise him from being a dick. Darren A Saunders Waltham

Foolish utterings

I don’t think Wallabies player Israel Folau’s comments about homosexuals going to hell are homophobic or hate speech.

They are just stupid.

I am sure Mr Folau is certain I am going to hell as well, as I am an evangelical atheist.

I am not a homosexual, as evidenced by my dislike of Kylie Minogue’s music and inability to dress fashionably without the interference of my wife, but I do not mind being bundled into hell with them by Mr Folau.

If that is Mr Folau’s opinion, he is welcome to it. In the same way, I am entitled to my opinion that he is a happy-clapping nutter and an incredible rugby player. Matt Toohey Huntsbury