Israel Folau

The New Zealand public are currently being treated to a sobering object lesson played out in newspapers, on radio, television and the internet– and the lesson is this: if you dare to hold and express any belief contrary to those promoted by secular humanism and the progressive elite, you will be publicly vilified.

In recent days Israel Folau has been widely abused in mainstream and online media for an answer he gave to an anonymous questioner on a social media platform. The question was religious in nature, as was Mr Folau’s answer. Yet media outlets across the country and internet have been swift to revile Mr Folau as a ‘‘homophobe’’ and hate speaker on the basis of this one online interaction.

Such a hostile response is deeply ironic, as progressive secular humanism and its proponents in our media, educational institutions and government claim to be inclusive, respectful and open-minded towards all people. However, it now appears that this inclusivity and mutual respect only extend to those people who subscribe to the tenets of fashionable, progressive, secular faith. No deviations will be tolerated. Here endeth the lesson.

Kirsty Walker

Hamilton

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