Wallabies full back Israel Folau has been subject to a barrage of abuse after stating that he does not support gay marriage.
Folau, who was born in New South Wales but is of Tongan descent, posted a Tweet saying: “ I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage.”
The London Telegraph reported that gay marriage was ”a matter of conscience” for Folau.
Folau, 28, comes from a Pentacostalist Christian background, but was raised a Mormon.
The Australian Rugby Union joined the football, cricket, and rugby league federations are publicly in favour of gay marriage.
The Wallabies have come out in support of gay marriage on the eve on a controversial national mail referendum on the subject.
He has been subject to vitriolic online attacks since expressing his views.
The Wallabies’ chief sponsor, Qantas, has backed gay marriage, with chief executive Alan Joyce lending his support to the ‘yes’ case.
Ballots are being sent out to Australian households from this week, with voters having until November 7 to fill out and return their postal vote slips.
The proposal to make gay marriage legal in Australia, as it is in New Zealand, has stirred up often violent debate and the process has been dragged out by politicians eager to score points with the electorate.
Folau made his test debut for Australia in 2013, scoring two tries in his first game.
It was reported earlier this year that the Warriors were pursuing Folau as a player for the 2018 season.
The main points
- Wallabies full back Israel Folau has been subject to a barrage of abuse after stating that he does not support gay marriage.
- Folau, who is of Tongan descent, posted a Tweet saying: “ I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions. but personally, I will not support gay marriage.”
- The London Telegraph reported that gay marriage was ”a matter of conscience” for Folau.
- Folau, 28, comes from a Pentacostalist Christian background, but was raised a Mormon.
For more information
Israel Folau prompts anger with views on same-sex marriage at odds with Wallabies teammates
