Pink News: World XV coach says Israel Folau ‘can’t be punished forever’ for homophobic comments https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/29/israel-folau-steve-hansen-rugby-lgbtq/ #LGBT #LGBTQ #Trans #Lesbian #2SLGBTQ #israelfolau #NewZealand #Australia #Sport #World #Rugby #News

I agree that #IsraelFolau's attitude to homosexuals is backwards and sad. But I defend the free speech rights of US football players who take the knee during the national anthem. I'd speak out in their defence if they were fired for that, let alone blocked by competition administrators from being hired by any team. I can't, in good conscience, celebrate Folau being fired and potentially blacklisted for his religious views:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/409656/fans-claim-rainbow-flags-banned-at-folau-s-french-debut

Israel Folau: shock and outrage greets Catalans Dragons' signing https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jan/28/israel-folau-switches-codes-again-to-sign-for-catalans-dragons-rugby-league #Guardian #news #Australiarugbyunionteam #CatalansDragons #Australiasport #Rugbyleague #IsraelFolau #SuperLeague #Rugbyunion #Sport

So another confidential commercial settlement. The discussion around how highly paid and idolised public figures like Israel Folau should be accountable for their words is an important one. No one is helped by a secret confidential settlement. #auspol #israelfolau