Tim Horan says Israel Folau should have kept controversial comments on homosexuality to himself
WALLABIES legend Tim Horan has defended Israel Folau’s right to free speech but says the star should have kept his controversial views on homosexuality “around the barbecue” rather than on social media.
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RUGBY great Tim Horan says Israel Folau should keep his controversial views on homosexuality to himself.
Folau sparked a furious backlash online after posting on Instagram that gay people were “destined for hell unless they repent”.
“It is a delicate one,” Horan, 47, told News Corp, attending a lunch as part of the Commonwealth Games at the Longines Records Club.
“My personal opinion is that if you have a view as a professional sportsman, that is fine to have a views and have your values but have your views around a barbecue cooking a sausage with six mates, not on social media. You are paid for by Rugby Australia via broadcast rights holders via sponsors and I think you have an obligation to those sponsors.”
Gosford Anglican Church erects sign condemning Israel Folau for his homophobic comments
The Wallabies legend defended Folau’s right to have an opinion but objected to how he shared his views.
It isn’t the first time Folau, 29, has made public statements on sexuality. He supported the no campaign during the recent marriage equality debate.
“I am all happy with freedom of speech but I think there is a time and a place to have your freedom of speech and me personally, I don’t think it is on social media,” Horan said.
“I was fine with his freedom of speech for vote yes or vote no (on marriage equality) because that is an issue that you allow freedom of speech. Israel is one of the nicest guys in the game and he gets very religious.
“He is one of the best players in the game that we’ve got. It is just a matter of Rugby Australia and also Israel just talking through the reasons why he said that. I am all for freedom of speech, probably not on social media here.”
Rugby Australia sponsors have been highly critical of Folau’s views on homosexuality, including Qantas, Swisse, HSBC, Asics, Land Rover and Accenture.
But the organisation failed to discipline the player after Folau this week met with Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle.
Also attending the Longines event, Castle wouldn’t comment on Folau.
“No further comment at this stage, nothing further,” she said.
Originally published as Tim Horan says Israel Folau should have kept controversial comments on homosexuality to himself
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