There& #39;s lots that could be said about Israel Folau. Not least, that it would be really sad not to see him in the World Cup.
24 hours on, a number of other players speaking out in support of Folau: Billy Vunipola, Nathan Hughes, Courtney Lawes, Taulupe Faletau, Manu Tuilagi, Nick Isiekwe. That& #39;s almost half a team.
And a pretty good team, at that.
Courtney Lawes (and Luther Burrell too): https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-6916847/Lawes-defends-England-team-mate-Vunipola-supporting-Folau-homophobic-social-media-posts.html?fbclid=IwAR36n8IJLTAGrt_puAJLE2ddafQXrslkeo-8DDMHVXIvNAnpGzsueQXKKYQ">https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rug...
Lawes defends Vunipola for showing support to Folau's homophobic post

Courtney Lawes has defended England team-mate Billy Vunipola over his show of support for Israel Folau's controversial anti-gay comments.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-6916847/Lawes-defends-England-team-mate-Vunipola-supporting-Folau-homophobic-social-media-posts.html?fbclid=IwAR36n8IJLTAGrt_puAJLE2ddafQXrslkeo-8DDMHVXIvNAnpGzsueQXKKYQ
Ireland centre Bundee Aki and Wallabies Samu Kerevi and Allan Alaalatoa are mentioned in this piece:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sports/rugby-union/israel-folau-the-prehistoric-pillock-e2-80-99s-bigoted-outburst-has-added-to-australia-e2-80-99s-rugby-crisis/ar-BBVSwgH">https://www.msn.com/en-gb/spo...
List of players who "liked" IF& #39;s Instagram post from Owen Slot& #39;s column in The Times.
Link here: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/billy-vunipola-israel-folau-and-their-supporters-have-dragged-rugby-to-the-point-of-crisis-over-homophobia-d22tz3dg0">https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/b...
Billy Vunipola, Israel Folau and their supporters have dragged rugby to the point of crisis over...

What started as a rugby scandal in Australia exploded into a much wider and deeper issue yesterday, particularly in England, one which threatens the ideals and values that the game professes to stand

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/billy-vunipola-israel-folau-and-their-supporters-have-dragged-rugby-to-the-point-of-crisis-over-homophobia-d22tz3dg0
These are the money quotes, although the people who said them might not realise why. Is rugby union "inclusive" enough to accomodate people who have traditional Christian (and Muslim, and Jewish) views on marriage and human sexuality?
Because if not, there& #39;s an awful lot of people who are going to need to be shown the door.
Oh, and, this: the list is only "perplexingly long" if you live in an echo chamber.
Channel 4& #39;s (unsurprising) take: we& #39;re inclusive, but not that inclusive:
Channel 4& #39;s (unsurprising) take: we& #39;re inclusive, but not that inclusive:
Channel 4& #39;s (unsurprising) take: we& #39;re inclusive, but not that inclusive:
PS Billy Vunipola was booed when he played for Saracens at Bristol at the weekend. Identity politics isn& #39;t my thing, but I didn& #39;t think a majority white crowd was meant to boo a brown-skinned man for his religious beliefs. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/11693286/billy-vunipola-booed-as-saracens-lose-to-bristol-bears">https://www.skysports.com/rugby-uni...
Billy Vunipola booed as Saracens lose to Bristol Bears

England international Billy Vunipola was booed after coming off the bench during Saracens' defeat at Bristol Bears.

https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/11693286/billy-vunipola-booed-as-saracens-lose-to-bristol-bears
Saracens have now released a statement. Hard not to read their claim to be open to all as somewhat hollow: they appear to be open to people who hold a traditional view of marriage & human sexuality, only on the condition that they keep their mouths shut.
Matthew Parris writes on the episode in The Times:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/i-don-t-think-hell-awaits-me-but-billy-vunipola-can-if-he-wants-m8lcz6xwp?shareToken=d95d486702a7dd7bf50ffbc399eb53cb&fbclid=IwAR0bwcFTpaZdeUkwr48b8aIfhWmZy-vAuVNIEgThZdJZDO9BBppGdli8z74">https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/i...
And this is an interesting take from Down Under: https://twitter.com/jamesmiller62/status/1118434535706775553">https://twitter.com/jamesmill...
And this is @brianmoore666 on the issue in The Telegraph. It us not obvious (to me) why he thinks that Folau may have broken the law. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2019/04/15/religious-beliefs-not-israel-folau-rest-rugby-must-follow-rules/amp/?__twitter_impression=true">https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-uni...
Religious beliefs or not, Israel Folau and the rest of rugby must follow rules and the law of the...

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2019/04/15/religious-beliefs-not-israel-folau-rest-rugby-must-follow-rules/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
The RFU have given Vunipola a warning, also taking the "inclusivity" line. Implication: rugby is inclusive enough to include people who take a traditional Christian (& Jewish, & Muslim) line on marriage/sexuality, but only if they keep their mouths shut. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47948205">https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rug...
Vunipola given 'formal warning' by RFU

England's Billy Vunipola is given a "formal warning" by the Rugby Football Union after he defended Israel Folau's social media post.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47948205
@ugomonye pitches in. This bit absolutely nails it:

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/apr/18/israel-folau-lifestyle-choice-rugby-union-ugo-monye">https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blo...
also points out a rather obvious double standard
Here& #39;s the take of former Chelsea, Bournemouth, QPR, Newcastle, Charlton and Gillingham legend @GPeacock8 on the matter: http://www.gavinpeacock.net/blog/2019/4/16/you-will-lose-everything">https://www.gavinpeacock.net/blog/2019...
"You Will Lose Everything" — Gavin Peacock

  As I watched the  Israel Folau -  Billy Vunipola situation unfold, I asked myself the question, “Would I hold onto my job as a professional footballer if I were playing today?” To which one UK...

http://www.gavinpeacock.net/blog/2019/4/16/you-will-lose-everything
By the by, imagine that Israel Folau and Billy Vunipola are right in what they say - or, at least, that they *sincerely believe* in what they are saying. Wouldn& #39;t that make what they are saying *a loving warning*, rather than "bigoted stone-age hate speech"?
Alan Jones, a former @qantaswallabies coach, speaks clearly and astutely on the issue: https://youtu.be/3S0ISi4SRJs ">https://youtu.be/3S0ISi4SR...
Phillip Jensen, an Australian Christian leader, comments on the Folau episode here: http://phillipjensen.com/israel-folau-and-three-myths-of-a-changing-society/?fbclid=IwAR1OWfKCMfExrsKwQ0rs1DmrfN4sbj7IP717gw65YGymkfjULg4UwIerxUI">https://phillipjensen.com/israel-fo...
Israel Folau And Three Myths Of A Changing Society | Phillip Jensen

Israel Folau and Three Myths of a Changing Society As Australians celebrate Easter, I want to assert, as a Christian, that because of his love, Jesus died and rose again to bear the sin and judgement…

http://phillipjensen.com/israel-folau-and-three-myths-of-a-changing-society/?fbclid=IwAR1OWfKCMfExrsKwQ0rs1DmrfN4sbj7IP717gw65YGymkfjULg4UwIerxUI
Dawn Grace-Cohen, an Australian gay rights activist, makes an interesting argument here: #Echobox=1556925138">https://www.smh.com.au/national/silencing-folau-with-queer-fascism-betrays-our-gay-marriage-victory-20190503-p51jsk.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter #Echobox=1556925138">https://www.smh.com.au/national/...
Silencing Folau with queer fascism betrays our gay marriage victory

A campaigner for marriage equality argues rugby star Israel Folau has a right to his beliefs - even if they offend - and should keep his job.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/silencing-folau-with-queer-fascism-betrays-our-gay-marriage-victory-20190503-p51jsk.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1556925138
@Laurence_ADFInt raises some challenging questions here: https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/05/israel-folau-and-the-right-to-freedom-of-expression/">https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/05/i...
Israel Folau and the right to freedom of expression | The Spectator

Australian rugby player Israel Folau’s disciplinary hearing, which is set to determine whether he will lose his AUS$4m mega-contract for an Instagram post he published in April, will drag into a...

https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2019/05/israel-folau-and-the-right-to-freedom-of-expression/
As does @smcalpine6. I find his analogy with colonialism to be insightful: https://stephenmcalpine.com/sexular-colonialism/">https://stephenmcalpine.com/sexular-c...
Sexular Colonialism

If my male, pale and stale heart could be warmed, it would be so by the growing realisation that the baton of colonialism, long the historic burden of the conservative, Christianised West, can now …

https://stephenmcalpine.com/sexular-colonialism/
Some observations by @MurrayJCampbell https://murraycampbell.net/2019/05/08/israel-folau-decision-may-set-a-course-for-the-future/amp/?__twitter_impression=true">https://murraycampbell.net/2019/05/0...
Israel Folau decision may set a course for the future

Christians across Australia have been given a message, “don’t commit social blasphemy” and “be careful if you choose to use the Bible”. After three days of deliberations, a three person panel has f…

https://murraycampbell.net/2019/05/08/israel-folau-decision-may-set-a-course-for-the-future/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
Former Australian World Cup winning captain Nick Farr-Jones pitches in: https://youtu.be/OqeI9RgKLmg ">https://youtu.be/OqeI9RgKL...
As does @His_Grace https://archbishopcranmer.com/israel-folau-fool-for-christ-sake/">https://archbishopcranmer.com/israel-fo...
Israel Folau – a fool for Christ's sake

Israel Folau plays rugby in Australia. He plays at quite a high level, actually, being paid around $1.6m per season. He is, however, considered to be

https://archbishopcranmer.com/israel-folau-fool-for-christ-sake/
Good piece from @SimonJonSmart https://www.smh.com.au/national/what-i-wish-i-could-have-said-as-a-christian-to-folau-before-he-took-to-instagram-20190512-p51miw.html">https://www.smh.com.au/national/...
What I wish I could have said as a Christian to Folau before he took to Instagram

I feel sorry for him. He’s the subject of a mob justice that has determined that not only is the content of his post hateful but so too is his motivation.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/what-i-wish-i-could-have-said-as-a-christian-to-folau-before-he-took-to-instagram-20190512-p51miw.html
Update: Folau sacked. Although I would be surprised if he doesn& #39;t appeal. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/rugby-union/48306223?__twitter_impression=true">https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp...
Israel Folau sacked by Rugby Australia for social media post

Israel Folau's contract is terminated by Rugby Australia after he said "hell awaits" gay people in a social media post.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/rugby-union/48306223?__twitter_impression=true
The world& #39;s best referee, Nigel Owens, gives his verdict:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/48320171">https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rug...
Of course, it& #39;s sad that someone who is as astute a ref as Nigel can& #39;t see the contradiction between saying that rugby is inclusive, and yet also saying that people who have traditional religious beliefs about sex and marriage are only included on the basis that they self-censor.
Bret Harris writes on the episode in The Guardian. Money quote in the final paragraph.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/may/21/israel-folau-case-highlights-need-to-reassure-pacific-island-wallabies?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&fbclid=IwAR1xsDrWXxsFjmHBhmnVsl6JRufW5fO-4XLoJboCvGQbLo1Gj6Pjy9MWnVE">https://www.theguardian.com/sport/201...
I like this take from @AkosBaloghCom

http://akosbalogh.com/2019/05/20/dear-izzy-if-only-you-had-behaved-like-an-elite-athlete/">https://akosbalogh.com/2019/05/2...
And this one from @sportslawyer7

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/an-abhorrent-post-but-proverbial-folau-death-penalty-a-step-too-far-20190510-p51lz0.html">https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rug...
Commentary in @EvangelicalsNow

http://www.e-n.org.uk/2019/06/uk-news/sin-binned-rugby-hits-freedom-of-speech-hard/">https://www.e-n.org.uk/2019/06/u...
Folau to sue: https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-rugby-union-australia-idUKKCN1T7095">https://www.reuters.com/article/u...
Folau launches legal action against Rugby Australia

Israel Folau launched legal proceedings against Rugby Australia over the termination of his contract on Thursday, casting the action as the pursuit of his "right to religious freedom."

https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-rugby-union-australia-idUKKCN1T7095
https://www.spectator.com.au/2019/06/exclusive-dear-rugby-australia/">https://www.spectator.com.au/2019/06/e...
War of words between Folau and Rugby Australia: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/rugby-australia-issue-statement-following-sensational-israel-folau-accusation/">https://www.rugbypass.com/news/rugb...
Rugby Australia issue statement following sensational Israel Folau accusation

Rugby Australia have hit back at Israel Folau after the fired Wallaby accused the union of leaking the minutes of his Code of Conduct hearing.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/rugby-australia-issue-statement-following-sensational-israel-folau-accusation/
@RichardsKel writes in @australian https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/folaus-faith-compelled-him-to-shout-a-warning-repent/news-story/959d971840d50415402de018f4db1d10?fbclid=IwAR3KRKbEUN8K8MVllyz1OaCOYgNDbn-6FKvewLHEfh4UdcOywuA1Y788ajE">https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/...
Folau compelled to warn us

On April 10, Israel Folau posted on his Instagram account the following message: Warning: Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolators: Hell Awaits You. Repent...

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/folaus-faith-compelled-him-to-shout-a-warning-repent/news-story/959d971840d50415402de018f4db1d10?fbclid=IwAR3KRKbEUN8K8MVllyz1OaCOYgNDbn-6FKvewLHEfh4UdcOywuA1Y788ajE
I like this https://youtu.be/XXHYfK906j8 ">https://youtu.be/XXHYfK906...
Long thread on the funding for the litigation from @Laurence_ADFInt https://twitter.com/Laurence_ADFInt/status/1141982052696432640?s=20">https://twitter.com/Laurence_...
Surprisingly balanced piece in The Guardian on the wider implications of the case: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/23/israel-folau-and-the-tension-at-the-heart-of-religious-freedom?CMP=share_btn_tw">https://www.theguardian.com/sport/201...
Israel Folau and the tension at the heart of religious freedom | Andrew West

Two core democratic principles are at stake in the Israel Folau case, and they will not be challenged at the pulpit or on the football field

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/23/israel-folau-and-the-tension-at-the-heart-of-religious-freedom?CMP=share_btn_tw
Folau& #39;s crowdfunder shut down, in the name of "inclusivity" https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-australia-48740811?__twitter_impression=true">https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/...
Israel Folau: Rugby star's fundraiser shut down over anti-gay views

Israel Folau had sought donations to fight his sacking by Rugby Australia over social media posts.

https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-australia-48740811?__twitter_impression=true
People are having a go at Israel Folau& #39;s wife for publicly supporting him. @MurrayJCampbell writes: https://murraycampbell.net/2019/06/24/netball-australia-sets-the-right-tone-for-civil-disagreement/amp/?__twitter_impression=true">https://murraycampbell.net/2019/06/2...
Drew Mitchell, a decent Wallabies winger in his day, sticks the metaphorical boot in: https://twitter.com/drew_mitchell/status/1143056867532296192?s=20">https://twitter.com/drew_mitc...
@steve_kneale compares the Folau incident with other temporary episodes

https://stephenkneale.com/2019/06/25/folau-gofundme-discrimination-and-feigning-progress/amp/?__twitter_impression=true">https://stephenkneale.com/2019/06/2...
*contemporary
I missed this piece by Peter Singer

https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/rugby-australia-israel-folau-firing-free-speech-by-peter-singer-2019-06">https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentar...
News report here. The tribunal hearing starts tomorrow. https://youtu.be/0yLoY6vutCk ">https://youtu.be/0yLoY6vut...
Fascinating @triggerpod intreview clip with @_HelenDale who argues that the Folau episode had an impact on the Australian election https://youtu.be/sOVWXAxVK70 ">https://youtu.be/sOVWXAxVK...
Mediation between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia has failed. Next stop: court. https://youtu.be/bMzRHyHe-88 ">https://youtu.be/bMzRHyHe-...
[Whatever the outcome, I guess this means we won& #39;t see Folau in the autumn World Cup. Which, as I said at the start of this thread, will be a great shame.]
I like this piece by @WillSwanton https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/dignity-in-israel-folaus-respectful-silence/news-story/828a3db1b72254805efaf232321a0675">https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentar...
Folau’s silent dignity

Drew Mitchell is yet to air his frustrations about homelessness, youth suicide, domestic violence, alcoholism, drugs, gambling addiction or any other social issue that may warrant a mans attention....

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/dignity-in-israel-folaus-respectful-silence/news-story/828a3db1b72254805efaf232321a0675
One of the best pieces I& #39;ve read on the issue https://www.abc.net.au/religion/the-israel-folau-case-has-been-mishandled-from-the-start/11253210">https://www.abc.net.au/religion/...
The Israel Folau case has been mishandled from the start; is it too late to make things right?

We can disagree with Israel Folau about homosexuality, the existence of God, heaven, hell, who’s going there or any number of other issues. But perhaps we can all agree that the implications of Rugby...

https://www.abc.net.au/religion/the-israel-folau-case-has-been-mishandled-from-the-start/11253210
Interesting legal insight here https://twitter.com/theboltreport/status/1145624336692211712?s=20">https://twitter.com/theboltre...
https://twitter.com/MurrayJCampbell/status/1152437281002627072?s=19">https://twitter.com/MurrayJCa...
Footnote: The saga cost @wallabies millions https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/the-cost-of-folau-to-rugby-australia-s-bottom-line-20200511-p54ry5.html?fbclid=IwAR1dHm6fk52YFQPbkNG2DNRAfLZJdB7Aygy2wxDu5UNA67NlrBnS50iKhM0">https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rug...
The cost of Folau to Rugby Australia's bottom line

A breakdown of Rugby Australia's unaudited 2019 financial results highlights the cost of the Israel Folau saga and where else extra money was spent.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/the-cost-of-folau-to-rugby-australia-s-bottom-line-20200511-p54ry5.html?fbclid=IwAR1dHm6fk52YFQPbkNG2DNRAfLZJdB7Aygy2wxDu5UNA67NlrBnS50iKhM0
A twist in the tale which no-one saw coming: Israel Folau, now playing rugby league for Catalan Dragons, declines to "take the knee" in support of BLM. His new coach defends this as Folau& #39;s "personal choice". https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/53632508">https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rug...
Folau not taking knee 'personal choice'

Israel Folau made a "personal choice" not to take a knee before Catalans' game with St Helens, says Steve McNamara.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/53632508
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