Israel Folau versus Rugby Australia is the court case everyone, except our politicians, wants to talk about. The suggestion that it's merely a contractual dispute that has nothing to do with broader questions about the right to freedom of speech or freedom of religion is misconceived.

The precise nature of Folau's contract and what it allows Rugby Australia to do or not do is for the court to decide. But as so often happens in such situations, the matters at stake go beyond the narrow issues of the courtroom arguments.