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| Comment | Total | Positive | Negative | Name |
| I was heavily involved in the campaign to remove the laws banning gay relationships and we were regarded at that time by most of the population as making offensive statements, and subject to a lot of abuse and suggestions that we should be punished.Yet we held to the principle that we had a right to free speech even if we went against what the majority believed. To my surprise and delight the situation has reversed and expressing anti-gay views is regarded as offensive. The free speech principle still holds, and should be combated with debate, not punishment. We would have been angry if our pro-gay views outside work had lead to punishment by our employers. Israel Folau has not harmed rugby so needs to be left alone by his employer. Yes, he is a role model but being a role model does not mean spouting whatever social policy is currently accepted by society. | 22 | 23 | 1 | MikeN |
| Fined for what? Having free speech and using it! He didnt incite hate or valance so why the bad rep, just because he disagrees with the liberals and the liberal media.
Its actually kinda scary to think that now you might get fined for disagreeing with the liberal left! A place where peoples emotions are worth more than free speech.
He believes in the bible and its teachings, are we now going to start removing texts from the public as well. | 18 | 26 | 8 | MR1 |
No, hes allowed his opinion whatever anyone thinks, all it is now, is the intolerant being bullied by the intolerant.
| 15 | 22 | 7 | speights56 |
It is Folaus detractors that are the 1 haters in this story.
Folau has always been open about his religious views. And at the same time, he has also supported inclusiveness in sports. He has done this actively by supporting the Bingham Cup over a number of years. Although he does not support the sexual practices of the LGBT community he has respected their freedom to live as they see fit while recognising their freedom to participate in sport along side himself.
What those who oppose Folau are calling for is wide and varied. Below are some of the suggestions I have heard in the media: 1. Disciplined by his employer 2. Fired from his job 3. Disciplined by Rugby Australia 4. Banned by Rugby Australia 5. Prosecuted for hate speech 6. Deported 7. Banned entry to New Zealand (where his family reside)
It is clear that there is a huge discrepancy in both word and action between Folau and his detractors. Folau disagrees with aspects of the LGBT lifestyle but at the same time is actively looking to ensure that the LGBT community is treated with the utmost dignity, respect, and fairness. And is included, without restriction, within in Folaus own sporting code. While his detractors have sought to devalue Folaus person and opinion while simultaneously calling for his work and personal life to be dismantled and disposed of.
This is an ideological clash on so many levels. From what lifestyle choices a person can disapprove of by way of their religious beliefs Right though to what level of public vilification and calls for punishment is acceptable.
Personally, I believe Folaus biggest crime is that he is not Liberal enough to suit the shallow pallets of Australasias most intolerant individuals. | 14 | 24 | 10 | tang56 |
| Id be interested to know what all those who are defending Folau think of the Westborough Baptist Church and their message, which is the same as what he is saying. You know the ones - they picket funerals of dead soldiers with signs that say gays will burn in hell. | 14 | 18 | 4 | Bin Chicken |
| Israel Folau is one of the best rugby players in the world. It seems very likely that this is the only reason he has kept his job and livelihood, and that really concerns me.
I expected disagreement with his moral opinion, because sympathy for LGBT+ is at a high level. And I expected our brave, edgy Christophobes to relish the opportunity to have another crack at the Christians. But, the hue and cry for Folau to lose his livelihood because his opinion is uncool means we have entered an era that is very dangerous. | 13 | 21 | 8 | averagethief |
| Yeah agree. Not sure Id want this guy representing me if he thinks a good comparison is someone deliberately running over someone with a car, to someone answering a post about what their opinion is on gay people. | 13 | 15 | 2 | tank237 |
| I dont agree with anything he has said on the topic but no he shouldn't be fired. As far as i know australia and new zealand both have a right to free speech. | 12 | 19 | 7 | lolstuff |
| This is getting ridiculous now lets move on. Folau has clearly has and is in great form for the Waratahs. | 11 | 19 | 8 | KPJ2015 |
| No, he shouldnt have been fired. Now shut up about it | 11 | 19 | 8 | TheCount |
| No he shouldnt be fired. Hes entitled to his views and to express them no matter that his views may be abhorrent to most reasonable people or that his views were expressed less than elegantly. | 11 | 19 | 8 | Prestige |
| Given that many of Folau's defenders don't share his beliefs, and many who do don't like how he expressed them, I imagine they disagree with WBC but support their right to express their opinion. | 9 | 9 | 0 | Mcp219 |
| Media gives him oxygen. Folau can only be fired if he has breached terms of his employment. Thats the law, the rest is only noise | 9 | 10 | 1 | DavidBrent |
| I dont agree with a single thing he said in the statement that kicked this whole thing off, but I absolutely support his right to say it. | 9 | 12 | 3 | Consequences |
| Give it a rest, would of been a 5 minute storm in a tea cup without the press and people trying to sensationalise his comments. If it was ignored would of been no problems around it. Maybe the press should be sued for its role in this and any damage done | 9 | 14 | 5 | Beachboy |
| People forget how this all started. Why doesnt anyone focus on the troll who initially baited an evangelical Christian? | 9 | 12 | 3 | Old Man |
| Who decides which opinion is offensive to whom? Im sure that many people are just as offended by the new liberal sexual laws being passed, and the freedom of sexual expression. The people who support these liberal ideas have no right to assume that they are accepted by everyone either, because they are not, but you dont find conservative thinkers arranging lynch mobs because their sensitive constitutions have been offended. | 9 | 15 | 6 | Markod |
| For some, apparently. A few weeks ago, during Round One of this bout, one journo article here said that diversity is rugbys primary value. Not skill, not endurance, not the ability to play as part of a team, not playing your heart out within the rules - diversity. | 8 | 10 | 2 | averagethief |
| It was the result of a survey. Thanks to cultural enrichment, gay rights may soon be a thing of the past in Europe
| 8 | 10 | 2 | AndyS |
answers. need more?
