By Adam Ellis
Australia star Israel Folau has reignited the controversy surrounding his attitude towards gay people with a comment posted by the full-back on his instagram suggesting God would condemn them to ‘hell’.
Six months on from publicly stating his opposition to same-sex marriage on the eve of a referendum on the matter in Australia, Folau was at it again on Instagram after celebrating his 29th birthday on Tuesday.
Folau was asked by user Mike Sephton-Poultney: “@izzyfolau what was gods [sic] plan for gay people?”
“@mike_sephton HELL… Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God,” Folau replied.
The Australia international, a devout Christian raised by mormon, will be out of contract with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs at the end of the season.
But the Super Rugby franchise and Rugby Australia representatives have been drafting a two-year-deal for the back who has made 62 appearances for the national side.
Folau courted controversy in September 2017 when he tweeted, “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage,” in the lead up to the referendum on gay marriage.
The Waratahs and Rugby Australia are yet to comment on the full-back’s conduct.
A big happy birthday to #Wallabies star, Israel Folau! 🎉🎈 pic.twitter.com/73D8I12C9K
— Wallabies (@wallabies) April 2, 2018
