Israel Folau’s anti-gay comments could have far-reaching consequences

Israel Folau may not fully understand the far-reaching consequences of his homophobic comments, says first gay team.

Waratahs and Wallabies star Israel Folau.

Israel Folau’s comments that homosexuals are destined to go to hell will force young gay rugby players to stay in the closet and may cause mental health problems, according to Sydney Convicts president Don Rose.

The Convicts are Australia’s first gay rugby club and they’re appalled by the social media post made this week by Folau, which has led the Wallabies’ major sponsor, Qantas, to consider withdrawing from their multimillion-dollar deal if the star back makes any more anti-gay remarks.

Rose, whose club has forged strong relationships with Folau’s employers, Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs, said the toll of the comments could be felt for years by young men struggling with their sexuality.

“I believe comments like these have the potential to be extremely damaging to the mental health of young gay people, especially in the rugby community,” Rose said.

“At a time in their life when they are struggling to accept and understand who they are in respect to their sexuality, comments like these do not support what we should be saying to our young people, which is that they are accepted and welcome irrespective of their sexuality.

“Rugby is a highly masculine sporting environment, and as a result young players are probably more likely to stay in the closet and hide their sexuality from their mates.

“Comments like these reinforce that mentality and send a message that if you’re gay, you’re not welcome here.

“It is important to note that young LGBTI people in our country have some of the worst rates of mental health issues and feeling pressured to stay in the closet cannot help these improve.”

RA and Waratahs officials hope to sit down with Folau early next week in a bid to prevent him making any more anti-gay comments on social media.

The deeply religious Folau told an Instagram follower that gays were destined for hell unless they repented their sins and turned to God.

RA and the Waratahs have distanced themselves from Folau’s personal beliefs but at the same time respect his right to hold them, so will not impose sanctions or threats against the 29-year-old.

Instead, they hope that as an employee, Folau will not cause further outrage on social media by posting comments that can be construed by members of the public as bigoted.

RA certainly can’t afford to lose the sponsorship of Qantas, its most lucrative deal which stretches through to the end of 2020.

Revelations that Qantas would consider pulling out of the Wallabies if Folau repeated his comments came as another Wallabies sponsor, vitamin company Swisse, also rejected his remarks.

“Israel’s comments are based on his personal beliefs and while we respect him as a player, we do not share his views,” Swisse said on Twitter.

“We strongly support diversity and inclusion in our team and believe in celebrating who we are.”

However, Waratahs and Wallabies captain Michael Hooper backed Folau’s right to hold his Christian beliefs. “We’re a diverse group, we come from many different lands and we’re different individuals but we share the same common goal of wanting to be the best and represent our friends and family and fans as a team,” Hooper said. “We’re all different people and have different religious beliefs and everyone is entitled to them.”