‘Hell awaits you’: Israel Folau embroiled in another anti-gay social media storm

A rugby rival gave a steamy response that goes against everything Israel Folau stands for after the Wallaby expressed more anti-gay views.

Israel Folau has landed in hot water yet again.

Israel Folau has doubled down on his anti-homosexual messaging and might be headed for a showdown with Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle as a result.

The Wallaby posted a message on his Instagram account that said “hell awaits” “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators” — adding they should “repent”.

Folau then added his own commentary: “Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him.”

That post came after Folau went on Twitter for the first time since November 2018 to post about Tasmania’s law change to make gender optional on birth certificates.

A staunch Christian, Folau took aim at the controversial reform passed by the Tasmanian lower house that will allow people aged above 16 to change the gender on their birth certificates.

“The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ and he will set you free,” Folau wrote.

The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free. pic.twitter.com/BWSWTMye98

— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) April 10, 2019

Late Wednesday night, Rugby Australia issued a statement.

“Rugby Australia is aware of a post made by Israel Folau on his Instagram account this afternoon.

“The content within the post is unacceptable. It does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the Rugby community.

“The Rugby Australia integrity (unit) has been engaged on the matter tonight.”

In April 2018, Rugby Australia decided not to sanction Folau after he issued a series of tweets containing anti-homosexual messages or imagery.

However Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle issued a warning about the inflammatory use of social media at the time.

“In his own words, Israel said that he did not intend to upset people intentionally or bring hurt to the game. We accept Israel’s position,” Castle said at the time.

“Rugby Australia will use this experience as an opportunity to remind all employees of their obligation to use social media in a respectful way.”

Castle will now come under pressure again to sanction Folau, arguably the Wallabies’ biggest star, in a World Cup year.

With the World Cup commencing in September in Japan there is plenty of time between now and then for Rugby Australia - Folau could also land in trouble with his Super Rugby side the NSW Waratahs, now as their season is in full swing.

Initially in 2018 Folau caused a storm when he commented on his own post on Twitter, when he was asked by a user ‘what was Gods’s plan for gay people?’

Folau responded “Hell, unless they repent.”

Just weeks after that Folau was at it again when he posted a video on Twitter from deceased American evangelist David Wilkerson.

In the post Folau tweeted: “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”

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

The video then went on to preach about the degradation of society and in scenes just after the two minute mark the preacher could be heard to say the following, as images of protesters with rainbow flags played in the background.

“Rampant iniquity, sexual perversion beyond description”.

Folau’s latest post was quickly condemned by several commentators on social media with Peter FitzSimons questioning whether his comments fell outside of his agreement with Rugby Australia.

Bloody hell. Haven't we been through this nonsense before?
Didn't Folau sign a contract with Rugby Australia agreeing to desist from this kind of nonsense? If not, why not?
And does he have a martyr complex, actively wanting to be publicly torn apart for his antediluvian views? https://t.co/4t8uEQLylR

— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) April 10, 2019

Looking forward to hearing about Israel Folau’s next career move after his latest social media post pic.twitter.com/IprgcJ2zHd

— Andrew Gourdie (@AndrewGourdie) April 10, 2019

Look at the list of offences Israel Folau named that will send you to Hell. He’ll have no one to play Rugby with in heaven.

— Senator Briggs (@Briggs) April 10, 2019

In a column last year with Players Voice Folau went on to state that he did not expect everyone to adhere to his views.

“I don’t expect everyone to believe what I believe,” wrote Folau. “That goes for teammates, friends and even family members, some of whom are gay.

“I don’t pretend to have all the answers in life. It can be difficult making the right decisions.

“You are always trying to reconcile the truth from the Bible with things you feel inside. But I have faith that God’s path is the right one and that path is outlined in the Bible. I will keep sharing that.”