Australian Christian Lobby sets up donation site for Israel Folau

A Christian lobby has set up a new donation site for sacked Wallabies star Israel Folau after GoFundMe shut down his page, already pulling in more than $160,000.

Israel Folau’s camp has hit out against GoFundMe’s decision to shut down his online fundraising campaign but says several organisations are already helping to raise money for his case against Rugby Australia.

It comes as the Australian Christian Lobby launched a new fundraising website for the former Wallabies star, raising more than $164,000 by 8am, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Managing director of the ACL, Martyn Iles, said they will also be donating $100,000 to “help out with Folau’s legal defence”.

Folau launched his appeal for $3 million on Friday and had raised more than $750,000 within four days.

But the fundraising platform yesterday said it was pulling the campaign because it violated their terms of service, and that it was issuing full refunds to the more than 7000 donors.

Israel Folau with Australian Christian Lobby managing director Martyn Iles. Picture: Facebook

GoFundMe Australia’s regional manager Nicola Britton said: “As a company, we are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity.

“While we welcome GoFundMe’s engaging in diverse civil debate, we do not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion.”

Folau wanted money to fund his legal battle against Rugby Australia, which terminated his $4 million contract in May after he posted a biblical passage on social media stating that hell awaited “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” unless they repented.

A spokesman for Folau said the campaign was in line with GoFundMe’s terms and conditions, as well as all relevant rules and regulations.

Folau turns to YouTube to ask for donations to fund his legal fees.

Folau, former Wallabies star. Picture: AFP

“Unfortunately, GoFundMe has buckled to demands against the freedom of Australians to donate to his cause,” the spokesman said.

“There appears to be a continuing campaign of discrimination against Israel and his supporters.” Several organisations have already expressed interest in supporting efforts to raise money for Folau’s legal case, the spokesman said.

Israel Folau's GoFundMe campaign page on Monday.

The Australian Christian Lobby plans to launch a new fundraising website for Folau, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Folau has launched legal proceedings with the Fair Work Commission against Rugby Australia and is seeking up to $10 million in damages.

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More than 95,000 people had signed an online petition calling on GoFundMe to take down Folau’s page, noting its purpose was against the website’s terms and conditions.

Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia over his controversial use of social media.

An independent panel appointed by the sporting body determined Folau had committed a “high level” breach of his contract after taking to Instagram to proclaim hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators” unless they repent and turn to Jesus.