Protesters descend on KIIS studios after Kyle Sandilands comments

Protesters outside KIIS FM’s studio demand Kyle Sandilands gets the same treatment as Israel Folau.

Protesters outside the KIIS FM studio at North Ryde in Sydney. Picture: John Grainger

Protesters are claiming double standards in the case of Kyle Sandilands and sacked rugby star Israel Folau, after the KIIS FM radio host escaped with an apology for calling the Virgin Mary “a liar who was knocked up behind a camel shed”.

Sandilands’ Instagram video post has subsequently been ­deleted. But the comments drew heavy criticism, prompting Sandilands, who is host of Sydney’s most popular FM breakfast show, to apologise.

Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia in May after he posted “biblical teachings” on Instagram and Twitter. The controversy triggered­ a national debate over ­religious freedom.

Folau has argued that he was dismissed because of his religious ­beliefs, in contravention of section 772 of the Fair Work Act.

He has sued Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs, seeking an apology, financial compensation and the right to resume his rugby ­career.

Protesters gathered outside KIIS FM are reported to have prayed for Sandilands and demand­ed a more sincere apology.

“We live in a country that has double standards, because in the commercial code of conduct … (it) states that a radio station cannot offend, discriminate against ­religion, sex, gender,” protest leader Georgie Clark was reported as saying.

“Rugby Australia have the same code of conduct and he (Folau) got sacked for quoting something he didn’t even write.”

KIIS is part of ARN, a radio network owned by ASX-listed HT&E.

An ARN spokeswoman said: “We echo Kyle’s statement and unreservedly apologise for any ­offence that may have been caused. Last week when this content­ ran, we immediately recog­nised that it wasn’t appropriate for distribution and it was remove­d immediately."

Sandilands said on Friday he was “sorry” if he offended anyone.