Sorting fact from fiction in Australian rugby’s religious freedom debate

The waters have been unnecessarily muddied, so let’s stick to the facts - Christianity is not under attack when it comes to the Israel Folau saga, writes Jamie Pandaram.

• Taniela Tupou and Samu Kerevi caught up in Folau fallout
• Folau Jr leading rugby’s Western Sydney crusade

The waters have been unnecessarily muddied, so let’s stick to the facts.

Samu Kerevi has nothing to apologise for, nor should he have to react to media reports linking his Easter post about Jesus to the Israel Folau saga.

The two are not related whatsoever.

They’re both Christian rugby players, and firm in their faith, but the way they expressed their beliefs differ in one key area: Kerevi did not vilify anybody.

Israel Folau is not being persecuted, he’s being penalised for vilifying a minority group. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

The Queensland captain posted a message at Easter saying: “Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross for me. I love you Jesus#”.

This is exactly the kind of religious expression the Australian rugby community and wider society welcomes.

You’re free to express your religious beliefs, so long as you don’t vilify a minority group whether based on race, gender or sexual orientation.

Reports somehow linked Kerevi’s post to the controversy surrounding Folau, who will fight for his career in a code of conduct hearing against Rugby Australia on Saturday.

The only reason Folau is in danger of having his contract terminated is that in expressing his religious beliefs, he vilified homosexuals, of which some are employed by RA, and others supporters of the teams Folau represents.

There may be many Australian rugby players who share Folau’s beliefs that gays are destined for hell, but they’ve been smart enough not to share it on social media because they’re aware of the hurt it will cause some in the community, and the pressure it will place upon their employer and fellow teammates.

There is no evidence or suggestion within playing circles that any player supportive of Folau is considering any boycott of Test matches.

Reds and Wallaby prop Taniela Tupou reacted angrily to Kerevi issuing an apology for offending anybody with his Easter post.

That anger is understandable.

Taniela Tupou weighed in on the debate about religious freedom in rugby.

No offence was taken by anybody, anywhere, regarding Kerevi’s expression of love for Jesus, nor will there be for any other player doing the same in future.

It is a delicate time in Australian rugby and when one issue is linked to another irresponsibly, it can create an atmosphere where Christians feel like they’re under attack.

They’re not, and this is not the issue at hand with Folau.

Had he spread the same message as Kerevi nobody would have batted an eye lid.

What is on trial here is whether publicly vilifying people is acceptable, and what rights an employer has if an employee repeatedly does so, whether it’s their religious conviction or not.