A person with absolutely no knowledge of rugby writes a report on an anti-LGBT rugby player

I'll be completely honest, despite seven years being forced to play rugby in primary school PDHPE classes I know absolutely nothing about rugby. I don't understand the rules, I can't kick a ball to save my life and I spent most of my time on the field running around pretending that I was participating because no one bothered to pass the ball to me.

But I do know quite a lot about the LGBT community.

Israel Folau. One of Australia's highest paid professional rugby players. Considered the highest profile player. Plays for the Waratahs. Six months ago, the 29-year old tweeted his opposition for same-sex marriage, citing his devout Christian beliefs and mentioning he still upheld respect for all people, regardless of who they are or there opinions. (Photo Credit: John Flitcroft) Ironically, he was also the face of the 2014 Bingham cup, an amateur gay rugby tournament.

April 4th. A comment on Instagram, sees Folau stating in response to a question about God's plan for Gay people (Photo credit: @GLove39):

Folau: Hell...Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God

This exchange was immediately met with controversy and outcry from the sports community. Backlash and accusations of homophobia also followed.

Sydney's first gay and inclusive rugby club the Convicts stated that they found the comment disappointing. The Waratahs announced that this would be regarded as a 'personal opinion.' Rugby Australia released a statement that his views do not support the views of RA and that they 'support all forms of inclusion whether it's sexuality, race or gender.'

However, Rugby Australia has taken no immediate action against the player after having a meeting with him and other executives, and have even come out and stated that he should still be considered a role model.

A debate over Folau's right to free speech has also been initiated. The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) stated that they 'cautiously welcome' the RA's decision not to immediately discipline Folau's actions. Their manager, Martyn Illes, stated, 'It is likely that the handling of this incident has set a precedent in Rugby Australia and other sporting codes where the ability of players to articulate mainstream Christian views is chilled. This is discrimination against people of faith in sport.' Illes also stated, 'Falou's appropriate use of social media could stifle his freedom to speak openly about his faith and marginalise his Christian identity into the future.'

There are several issues with this.

First of all, Folau has the right to freedom of speech. Everyone has the right to freedom of speech. It's one of the most commonly argued principles from the 'NO' campaign. While everyone is entitled to freedom of speech, that freedom comes with the possibility of backlash, especially if the opinion is based on something that rejects another person's basic human rights. To summarise, one should have their opinion respected, unless their opinion disrespects someone else's basic human rights.

Secondly, discrimination against faith. I would like to assert that there is literally nothing in the Bible deliberately directed towards same-sex relationship nor condemnation of any kind. The most famous line 'man shall not lie with man' is a mistranslation from Greek. The original text read 'man shall not lie with boy,' therefore meaning that the passage condemns pedophillia NOT homosexuality. In addressing Illes statement, nothing stops anyone from continuing in expressing their faith or being Christian. The purpose of addressing Folau's comments is not to repress his views, but to A) engage in open dialogue to persuade him to look at it from a different, less harmful perspective and B) remind people that these types of views should not be tolerated, not to marginalise those who share the same views in the Christian community, but to remind those in that community that this type of expression is not right.

Finally, this is a PSA for all the queer kids growing up in extremely religious families while trying to remain in the closet. You are perfectly valid, and it is okay to feel what you are feeling. You should know that you are NOT going to hell if you happen to be gay. I'm personally not religious, but no one should feel condemned just for loving someone. If you're in an extremely dangerous situation with homophobic relative hold on. You have a whole community waiting for you and ready to help when you need it.

Email me if you need help @clairelb.storage@gmail.com

Aurevoir

- CLB 10/4/18