Kiwi protester ‘welcomes’ Israel Folau to New Zealand amid gay furore
AFTER doubling-down on his controversial views on homosexuality during the week, Israel Folau endured heckles and hard questions when the Waratahs landed at Christchurch airport.
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ISRAEL Folau landed in Christchurch to be greeted by a sign reading: “To hell with your small mind Folau” on Friday.
The Waratahs star was bombarded by questions from Kiwi reporters wanting a response to his anti-gay posts on social media, but refused to comment.
Some of Folau’s NSW teammates attempted to shield him from the journalists and cameras, while coach Daryl Gibson said they were concentrating on their match against Super Rugby’s defending champions the Crusaders on Saturday.
Lone protester Gene Shaw was at the airport with his sign for Folau.
“I just think there’s a difference between free speech and hate speech, and I think that he’s exercising the latter, and I think we should stand up to it,” Shaw told Newshub.
“I’m not taking it away from him, he’s a tremendous athlete and I think he’s got a lot of people that look up to him.
RATHBONE: Israel Folau a religious lunatic
“I don’t think he’s gone about what he’s doing in the right way. I think he influences a lot of people, I think his beliefs should stay out of sport really.”
This is the first time Folau has travelled to New Zealand since causing mass outrage by claiming gays are destined for hell last month, then reiterating it with another video on Twitter this week conveying the same message.
When the furore first surfaced, Kiwi player Brad Weber said he feels “disgusted” by having to play against Folau, while All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara also slammed the Wallabies fullback.
With great love i wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it. Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don't harden your heart https://t.co/PtDoPCQDco
— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) May 7, 2018
That was followed by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen supporting Perenara’s strong comments against Folau, adding that his team is inclusive.
The Kiwi public has largely berated Folau for his fundamental Christian views regarding homosexuality, and he can expect continued grief from them throughout this year.
Rugby Australia has not sanctioned Folau because he has a right to free speech, and other members of the Wallabies and their fan base share his views.
However, pressure is mounting on RA to stop Folau from posting further inflammatory material on social media, with other fans and sponsors appalled by his views.