Israel Folau creates social media firestorm as he posts another anti-gay message

Israel Folau has sparked a social media firestorm after posting another anti-gay message on Instagram.

Folau, a devout Christian, made the controversial post on Wednesday, which read: ‘Hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators’.

He captioned the picture with: ‘Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him’.

His latest post might spell the end for his multi-million dollar contract after sponsors threatened to walkout when he made similar comments last year. 

Football star Israel Folau (pictured with wife Maria) has sparked controversy on social media again

Folau, a devout Christian, made the controversial post on Wednesday, which read: 'hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators'

Folau, a devout Christian, made the controversial post on Wednesday, which read: ‘hell awaits drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators’

However, he was warned but not sanctioned by Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle last year.

Folau later threatened to walk away from the game if his strong Christian beliefs were compromised. 

The three-times John Eales Medallist – who only last Saturday became Super Rugby’s all-time leading try scorer – had since been largely quiet on social media until Wednesday’s post. 

Folau, 30, also retweeted a story on Wednesday headlined ‘Tasmania becomes first Australian jurisdiction to make gender optional on birth certificates’.

The superstar fullback then added the comment: ‘The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free.’

Folau has only just signed a new contract extension to remain with the NSW Waratahs until the end of 2022.

Wallabies star Israel Folau (pictured with wife Maria Folau) revealed last year he almost quit rugby following his anti-gay comments that sparked widespread outrage

Wallabies star Israel Folau (pictured with wife Maria Folau) revealed last year he almost quit rugby following his anti-gay comments that sparked widespread outrage

Australian netball fans were not thrilled about Maria Folau's (pictured left) signing to the Adelaide Thunderbirds after supporting her husband's comments about gay people

Australian netball fans were not thrilled about Maria Folau’s (pictured left) signing to the Adelaide Thunderbirds after supporting her husband’s comments about gay people 

A storm has been brewing online since the Wallabies star made the contentious post, with many taking to social media calling for a boycott

A storm has been brewing online since the Wallabies star made the contentious post, with many taking to social media calling for a boycott 

It is not known if the deal with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia, which promotes inclusion, has a clause restricting Folau from making provocative social media posts.

A storm has been brewing online since the Wallabies star made the contentious post, with many taking to social media calling for a boycott.

‘Rugby Australia with a decision on their hands. Israel Folau’s religious beliefs once again hurting countless people,’ one person tweeted. 

‘I hope I never see Israel Folau on a rugby pitch ever again,’ another tweet read. 

Last year Folau said gay people would go to ‘hell unless they repent of their sins and turn to God’.

Last year Folau said gay people would go to 'hell unless they repent of their sins and turn to God'

Last year Folau said gay people would go to ‘hell unless they repent of their sins and turn to God’ 

He made headlines once more later in the year when he said God’s plan for gay people was ‘hell’. 

The Wallabies rugby union player made a post to his 337,000 followers about ‘God’s plan’ after he was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

‘What was gods plan for gay people??’ one commenter posted, to which Folau replied: ‘HELL… Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God’.

During the 2017 same sex-marriage vote, Folau tweeted that he would not be supporting any change to the existing law.

‘I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions, but personally, I will not support gay marriage.’

The former rugby league and AFL player copped backlash for his comments. 

Rugby Australia’s integrity unit is now involved after the sporting body described the post as unacceptable in a statement released on Wednesday night. 

Rugby Australia is aware of a post made by Israel Folau on his Instagram account this afternoon,’ the statement read.

‘The content within the post is unacceptable. It does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the Rugby community. The Rugby Australia integrity unit has been engaged on the matter tonight.’

 

 

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