Social change after Izzy axe
THE social media landscape for athletes around the world has forever changed after Israel Folau was sacked for posting religious material deemed as vilification against the gay community.
Folau and his legal team are expected to take the matter to the Supreme Court or even the Federal Court, so this saga is far from resolved, but the decision by a panel yesterday to axe his $4 million deal will be used as precedent for all sporting organisations henceforth.
Sportspeople in Australia and abroad now have a clear case of delineation between religious expression that is acceptable in public, as opposed to expression that vilifies and brings sport into disrepute.
Folau, who has always maintained he did not post the Instagram meme with malice, has paid a big price, and a great Aussie career is finished.
The exceptionally gifted three-code star will miss this year’s World Cup and never play for the Wallabies again, a realisation that left the 30year-old frustrated.
“I am deeply saddened by today’s decision to terminate my employment and I am considering my options,” he said.
“As Australians, we are born with certain rights, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to freedom of expression.
“The Christian faith has always been a part of my life and I believe it is my duty as a Christian to share God’s word.
“Upholding my religious beliefs should not prevent my ability to work.”