Israel Folau sets up GoFundMe page to raise $3m to pay his legal battle against Rugby Australia

A conservative Christian blogger was the first person to donate to Israel Folau’s GoFundMe page, which is gathering steam.

Conservative Christian blogger Bernard Gaynor, right, was the first person to donate to the GoFundMe page of Israel Folau, left.

Conservative Christian blogger Bernard Gaynor was the first person to donate to Israel Folau’s GoFundMe page which is seeking $3 million to pay his legal battle against Rugby Australia.

By mid-Saturday, the GoFundMe page had raised more than $519,000 of the $3m target amount, pledged by 6557 people. But the former Wallabies star has received a lashing on social media for the campaign, with critics claiming he should be able to afford the legal costs given he was on a $5m contract.

Mr Gaynor, who has been the subject of dozens of anti-discrimination actions by LGBTI activists over his strident anti-gay comments, said he had donated to the campaign because of what he had been through.

“I’ve been sacked and it’s cost me over $400,000 to defend myself,’’ Mr Gaynor told The Australian. “Israel Folau will have tremendous legal costs.’’

He said it was important that people were able to have a job and play a sport “and be able to express your religious beliefs.’’

Mr Gaynor said he had found out about the campaign when he read a media report about it and decided to donate immediately.

MORE: Alan Jones writes “Friends, Aussies, rugby followers, lend me your ears’’ | Israel Folau’s first interview: ‘No religion clause in my contract’

Mr Gaynor was dismissed from the Australian Army after he criticised ADF involvement in a mardis gras parade. He said he had faced more than 100 legal actions.

The Wallabies fullback had his four-year, $5m contract torn up by RA and the NSW Waratahs last month after he posted a message on ­Instagram in April warning “drunks, ­homosexuals and adulterers” were destined for hell if they did not repent.

He has since decided to seek up to $10 million in damages from RA in a lawsuit that will claim his contract termination was “unlawful” and cost him the “best years” of his sporting career.

Folau lodged a claim on June 6 with the Fair Work Commission, arguing his sacking breached Section 772 of the Fair Work Act, a clause that deems it unlawful to terminate employment on the grounds of ­religion.

In his first interview since being axed, Folau told 2GB’s Alan Jones this morning that Rugby Australia’s decision to scrap his contract was “inconsistent” because there was no clause in his contract that prohibited him from sharing his religious beliefs outside the workplace.

Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich urged his followers not to donate to Folau and instead support a real Christian cause.

“If you are truly interested in supporting a Christian cause, promoting freedom, protecting kids & workers from exploitation, do not donate to the #Folau Fund. Support World Vision’s work on child slavery $3 Million would save the thousands of lives,” Mr Greenwich said in a tweet.

If you are truely interested in supporting a Christian cause, promoting freedom, protecting kids & workers from exploitation, do not donate to the #Folau Fund. Support World Vision’s work on child slavery $3 Million would save the thousands of lives https://t.co/uJpdSvk2o4

— Alex Greenwich MP (@AlexGreenwich) June 20, 2019

Speaking on Studio10 journalist Ray Martin said Folau should pay the legal fees himself.

“I think he can probably pay himself. He knew in saying that when he did the social media comment he was going to get in trouble,” he said.

Author and television presenter Peter FitzSimons tweeted: “The Jesus I knew at Peats Ridge Sunday School would be standing with the vulnerable gay teens, not Folau and his supporters saying they are going to hell.”

The largest donation on the GoFundMe page is currently $10,000 by an anonymous donor. Just 6.5 hours after the page went live, $9221 had already been donated. Just before 8am this morning, the page had raised more than $35,000.

In a video uploaded to YouTube last night, Folau said he and wife Maria had already spent close to $100,000 in legal fees, and pleaded for the public’s help to continue his battle against his former employer.

“I believe it is my duty as a Christian to share God’s word. Rugby Australia tore up my employment contract for doing just that, and that’s wrong,” Folau says.

“Every Australian should be able to practice their religion without fear of discrimination in the workplace. Rugby Australia has an army of lawyers at their disposal and they have already said they will divert significant resources to fight me in court. The cost to me and my family of continuing my legal action against Rugby Australia is expected to be significant.

“Since my contract was terminated I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the support received from family, friends, fans and the public. Even people who don’t share my beliefs have defended my right to uphold and express them.

“They made me realise I’m not just fighting for my future and my family; I’m fighting for what is right. But I can’t do it alone.”

I have the fight of my life on my hands. If you can and choose to donate, thank you.https://t.co/Tk1gZaEphB pic.twitter.com/qBWGG9fGOQ

— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) June 20, 2019

Folau says that he considers the termination of his rugby contract “unlawful, which is why I have started legal proceedings against Rugby Australia and Rugby NSW’’.

“My wife Maria and I have already spent over $100,000 of our own money and that was just to try and deal with Rugby Australia’s internal tribunal processes. The money I am asking for is solely to fund the rest of my action in court.

“I know I am putting myself on the line, this action will be very costly in terms of time, money and reputation, but I do not intend to stop now.

“I would be very grateful for your support. Could you make a donation, within your capacity to give, in order to support my action? I have the fight of my life on my hands and every little bit will help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Israel Folau with his wife Maria Folau after a Sunday church service. Picture: Hollie Adams

The devout Christian explains that his faith “is the most important thing in my life’’.

“I try to live my life according to the Bible and I believe it is my duty to share the word of the Bible,” Folau writes on his GoFundMe page. “I believe that sharing the Bible is an act of love and compassion.

“I know some people do not like or believe in the Bible. Indeed, what makes our country so wonderful is that we have such a diverse community made up of so many different cultures and values. But my faith defines me as a person. I do not believe that it is fair or right that I be punished for my religious beliefs.’’

Israel Folau says that he considers the termination of his rugby contract “unlawful’’.