People Are Angry Australia's Top Rugby Player Won't Stop Making Anti-Gay Comments

    And officials seem powerless to tell Israel Folau to log off.

    This is Wallabies star Israel Folau.

    Earlier this year he was named fifth-best rugby union player in the world by Rugby World magazine.

    But last month, Folau caused outrage when he responded to a comment on a post of his on Instagram asking what God's plan was for gay people.

    "HELL...Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God," Folau replied.

    Folau is a devoted Christian, and his comments divided public opinion, with some calling for him to be sacked or reprimanded by Rugby Australia, stating that his comments were against the sport's inclusion policy, which states:

    "Rugby has and must continue to be a sport where players, officials, volunteers, supporters and administrators have the right and freedom to participate regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or religion and without fear of exclusion.

    "There is no place for homophobia or any form of discrimination in our game."

    Others, like Australian Conservatives senator Cory Bernardi, demanded Folau be free to air his views.

    Wallabies legend defends Izzy’s rights as @corybernardi says “Good on @IzzyFolau for having the courage of his convictions and not bowing his head to the corporate spear tackle” #auspol #abetterway #ReligiousFreedom @LyleShelton https://t.co/1ROkm8u9pD

    You see, it's all a bit of a mess. After Australia legalised same-sex marriage last year, those who were opposed were suddenly fearful they were going to be silenced from saying they were against same-sex marriage, even though it is now the law of the land.

    Folau was already at the centre of controversy during the postal survey on same-sex marriage for tweeting about his opposition to it.

    To put minds at ease, prime minister Malcolm Turnbull convened a "religious freedom" review that is due to report back to the government at the end of this month with recommendations on how to protect religious freedom.

    It means that those opposed to same-sex marriage are hyper-vigilant to any apparent silencing of views against homosexuality or same-sex marriage (even though they're quite happy to silence other people whose views they disagree with).

    It all came to a head in a meeting with Rugby Australia where Folau basically said "sorry, not sorry" and made no commitments to curb his anti-gay commentary on social media.

    In a weird press conference after the meeting, Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle then said the organisation was "proud" Folau is a "strong believer" but then pointed to Rugby Australia's code on inclusiveness.

    "But at the same time, Rugby Australia's got a policy and position of inclusion and using social media with respect."

    Folau appears to be ignoring that, however. On Monday, he tweeted a link to a 10-minute YouTube video, saying he was sharing it "with great love".

    With great love i wanted to share this video in the hope that people watch it and think about it. Jesus is coming back soon and he wants us to turn to him through repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) please don't harden your heart https://t.co/PtDoPCQDco

    In the sermon in the video, the late US evangelist David Wilkerson complains of "sexual perversions beyond description" with footage of a pride celebration.

    People were pissed about it.

    @IzzyFolau Enough Izzy - I abided by your rhetoric & hid away my first 30 years - scared growing-up of people knowing the real me. You’re hurting LGBTI kids & forcing underground. Needs to stop & this trans-rugby-woman-journo no longer your fan. @rugbycomau @Peter_Fitz @raelenecastle

    @IzzyFolau Wondering if you think before you tweet? What if you had a young fan who was struggling with their sexuality and mental illness and seeing you public opinion pushed them over the edge?

    Others accused him of hypocrisy, in singling out certain parts of the Bible he agreed with.

    @cityroo @IzzyFolau What about all them tattoos ? Leviticus 19:28 "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor imprint any marks upon you: I am the LORD" its much easier to just take out the bits that fit our personal agendas and throw them around right ?

    Ex-Wallabies players including former captain George Gregan and Clyde Rathbone have hit back at Folau.

    Rathbone said that Folau is "a religious lunatic".

    It has become painfully clear that Australia's best rugby player is a religious lunatic bent on self-immolation. As the ARU thumb through their 'Inclusion 'Policy' they would do well to heed @Ayaan's insight that “Tolerance of intolerance is cowardice.” https://t.co/QPLgles9lj

    Then on Thursday, Today show host Karl Stefanovic declared enough is enough.

    "Israel you have the right to say what you want, but at least show a little more compassion and love, as the Bible teaches." #9Today https://t.co/U0vN3qLY4w

    "What about that young person at rugby training tonight struggling with their sexuality? What about the children and family of gay parents? What about those being tortured and bullied just for who they are?" Stefanovic pleaded.

    "Israel, you have the right to say what you want, but at least show a little more compassion and love, as the Bible teaches."

    No word yet from Rugby Australia on whether it plans to take action against Folau.