Liberal MP Tim Wilson ‘concerned’ by move to sack Israel Folau

Gay Liberal MP Tim Wilson says Rugby Australia should be “very cautious” on the Folau saga.

Liberal MP Tim Wilson says he is “concerned” by Rugby Australia’s handling of the Israel Folau saga. Picture: Kym Smith/AAP

Liberal MP Tim Wilson says he is “concerned” about Rugby Australia attempting to sack Israel Folau for sharing messages on social media that gay people are destined for hell.

The gay MP, who proposed to his husband in parliament while speaking on the same-sex marriage bill in 2017, declared rugby should not just be a game for “people who are agnostic or atheist”.

More: Folau to fight breach

“There is a need for people to be able to express their views on something like religion, and their religious beliefs, without censorship,” Mr Wilson told the ABC.

“I don’t know the details of the EBA or the contractual arrangements that sit between (Rugby Australia) and Israel Folau, but I would have thought that Rugby Australia should be very cautious in how they are conducting themselves.

“Rugby isn’t just a game for people who are agnostic or atheist. In a free, pluralistic democracy, that should have space for everybody to express their opinion.”

Mr Wilson said there were often provisions in employment contracts that prevent employees from making statements that do “unnecessary harm or damage”.

“Quoting the Bible or reciting a well established position around morality and private morality I don’t think crosses that line,” he said.

However, Mr Wilson said he had not seen the social media post Folau had shared and had only seen the media reports on the issue.

“But from what I have seen … it wouldn’t have crossed that line,” he said.