Netball star Nat Medhurst critical of Israel Folau’s social media comments

Former Diamonds shooter Nat Medhurst has had a strongly-worded say on social media, taking aim at Israel Folau for hiding behind “freedom of speech” to express discriminatory views.

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Former Adelaide Thunderbirds star Nat Medhurst has used social media to take a swipe at Israel Folau for hiding behind “freedom of speech” to express views which incite hate.

In a strongly-worded tweet, the Collingwood Magpies shooter and former Diamonds representative claimed religious or political views, or even this so-called “freedom of speech”, does not give people a free pass to express views that incite hate or discriminate.

Folau’s challenge against his sacking by Rugby Australia kicked off on Friday when he joined his legal team for settlement talks at Fair Work Australia.

🤦🏼‍♀️ call me odd, but religious &/or political views or even this so called “freedom of speech” does NOT give people a free pass to express views that incite hate or discriminate. Full stop!

— Nat Medhurst (@natmedhurst) June 28, 2019

Medhurst vented her feelings just five days after former Diamonds captain Liz Ellis responded to statements from Netball Australia and Netball SA following Thunderbirds champion Maria’s social media support for her husband, hitting out at their lack of stronger action on the issue.

“Yeah nah not good enough,” Ellis tweeted.

“How about this: There is no room for homophobia in our game. Anyone who is seen to support or endorse homophobia is not welcome. As much as I love watching @MariaFolau play netball I do not want my sport endorsing the views of her husband.”

Ellis later clarified her comments, saying her beef was not with Maria but those running the sport.

Nat Medhurst of the Magpies (left) contests with Kim Jenner of the Firebirds during the Round 9 Super Netball match last weekend. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair

Medhurst and Ellis were teammates with the Diamonds when they beat New Zealand, which contained Maria, in the Netball World Cup in Auckland in 2007.

Raelene Castle, who is heading RA’s battle against Israel in her role as its chief executive, was Netball NZ chief executive from 2007-13.

Among Medhurst’s teammates at the Magpies is Ashleigh Brazill, who also plays for Collingwood’s AFLW team and is gay.

Maria is in Auckland playing practice matches with the Silver Ferns in preparation for the World Cup in England next month.

The shooter is a superstar in NZ, but has been shielded from the media. On Tuesday, Netball NZ released a statement supporting Maria.

Maria Folau has not breached NNZ policy, the statement said.

“Netball New Zealand values inclusion and diversity across all areas of the community and our sport whether its gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, religion, and we take responsibility as role models for young New Zealanders very seriously.

“We acknowledge that people have differing views and beliefs. It is important those opinions and views are expressed in constructive and respectful ways.”

Silver Ferns coach Noelene Taurua, who also coached against Maria in Super Netball in her role as Sunshine Coast Lightning coach, described her as a courageous woman.

Taurua said Maria had been anxious and playing amid the public furore had been a tough task.

Originally published as Netball star Nat Medhurst critical of Israel Folau’s social media comments