Gays going to ‘Hell’: Israel Folau makes another controversial claim about homosexuals

WALLABIES and Waratahs star Israel Folau has again courted controversy over homosexuality by saying gays are destined to go to hell on Instagram.

Israel Folau has charged headfirst into another controversy. Picture: Getty Images

ISRAEL Folau has again courted controversy over homosexuality by saying gays are destined to go to hell on Instagram.

In a since-deleted comment to a follower, who asked the Australian rugby star what God’s plan was for gays, Folau replied: “Hell ... unless they repent of their sins and turn to God”.

Folau was the highest-profile Australian athlete to oppose same-sex marriage last year, a bill that was passed after the majority of the nation voted in favour of it.

Israel Folau Instagram comment on gays going to Hell.

A devout Christian, Folau believes that homosexuality is a sin as stated in the Bible.

However, his employers at Rugby Australia have distanced themselves from Folau’s opinions.

“His views do not reflect ours, we do not support them,” a RA spokesman said.

“We support all forms of inclusion, whether it is race, gender or sexuality.”

Folau will not be formally reprimanded because he is expressing a religious opinion.

Folau, who turned 29 yesterday, received immense backlash for his “No” vote last year, including from Wallabies teammate David Pocock, but at the time was not fazed.

“It hasn’t really affected me at all,” Folau said in October.

Israel Folau has charged headfirst into another controversy. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m just really enjoying playing my rugby and life outside of that. It obviously hasn’t changed any plans around my personal relationship with my fiancee.

“I don’t retreat (from) anything I said. I’ve spoken to Dave (Pocock) briefly ... we both respect each other and it was nice for me to hear a message from Dave. I respect everyone’s opinions. Dave is a teammate of mine and I really enjoy playing alongside him. It’s not judgmental or anything.

“It doesn’t affect me at all. Everything’s good from my end.”

Folau married Kiwi netballer Maria Tutaia during an off-season break.

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Originally published as Gays going to ‘Hell’: Israel Folau makes another controversial claim about homosexuals