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Agence France-Presse

Sacked Wallabies full-back Israel Folau launched legal action on Thursday against Rugby Australia’s decision to dismiss him over homophobic social media posts, saying he was seeking “substantial remedies” from the governing body.
The devout Christian said he was defending freedom of religion by taking his case to Australia’s employment watchdog the Fair Workplace Commission.
“No Australian of any faith should be fired for practising their religion,” the 30-year-old said in a statement.
Folau’s contract was terminated last month after a Rugby Australia tribunal found him guilty of a “high-level” code of conduct breach for posting on social media that “hell awaits” gay people and others he considers sinners.




















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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. _______________ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these , adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19‭-‬21 KJV _______________ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 KJV _______________ And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Acts 17:30 KJV _______________
A post shared by Israel Folau (@izzyfolau) on Apr 10, 2019 at 1:18am PDT



Folau opted not to appeal against the tribunal ruling, voicing a lack of confidence in Rugby Australia’s process.
Instead, he has taken his case to the court system, saying his treatment left him “no choice but to stand up for his beliefs and the rights of all Australians”.
Israel Folau posts homophobic social media rant: diverse views are fine, but this expression is a hate crime
“The messages of support we have received over these difficult few weeks have made me realise there are many Australians who feel their fundamental rights are being steadily eroded,” he said.
Folau’s statement revealed the argument his legal team will pursue, including his assertion that he simply posted a message from the Bible.
The full-back, Super Rugby’s most prolific try scorer, was on a four-year contract worth more than AU$1 million (US$700,000/HK$5.4 million) annually when he was sacked.

“The termination of Mr Folau’s employment contract prevented him from playing at the peak of his career and on the cusp of a Rugby World Cup, which would have likely generated even greater exposure and opportunities,” his statement said.
“Accordingly, Mr Folau is seeking substantial remedies from his former employers.”
The Sydney Morning Herald said Folau would be seeking AU$10 million, including lost sponsorship and marketing opportunities, a sum it said could bankrupt Rugby Australia if they lose the case.

The action, which names Rugby Australia and Folau’s Super Rugby club the NSW Waratahs, claims a breach of contract and unlawful termination under the Fair Work Act, which protects employees from being sacked because of their religion.
Folau’s post has sparked heated debate in Australia, with some defending his right to express views he sees as central to his religious beliefs.
Rugby Australia insist his axing was purely a breach of contract issue, with Folau failing to abide by commitments he would not disparage people on the basis of their sexuality.

You’ve not been sacked for practising your religion, @IzzyFolau. You posted on social media that gays are going to hell, thus causing potential harm to many who are already struggling with who they are. I’ll schedule this post in another two weeks for you. https://t.co/lDcWic6nqm
— Nick Heath (@nickheathsport) June 6, 2019

Meanwhile, the Waratahs revealed Folau’s brother John had cut ties with the Sydney-based side.
“John has been in a difficult position for the last wee while,” coach Daryl Gibson said of Folau’s younger sibling, a journeyman signing who has never played for the team.
“He has got really divided loyalties to his family and his brother and then also to the team. He wanted to stress how much he enjoyed being with the team and what a difficult decision it was for him.”


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LGBTQ

Israel Folau sues Rugby Australia for US$6.9 million over termination – ‘no one should be fired for practising religion’

Israel Folau leaves a hearing after Rugby Australia’s decision to terminate his contract. He is now suing them for unfair dismissal. Photo: Bianca De Marchi

(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 24, 2018 Australia's full-back Israel Folau scores a try during the international rugby union test match between England and Australia at Twickenham stadium in south-west London. - Israel Folau has requested a code of conduct hearing, Rugby Australia said on April 17, 2019 after the governing body moved to sack the star Wallabies fullback over anti-gay comments. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)

Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle speaks at a press conference at the Rugby Australia head office in Sydney on May 17, 2019. - Wallabies star Israel Folau was sacked on May 17, 2019 for making an anti-gay statement on social media, signalling an end to his glittering career in Australia. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE --

Has Rugby Australia contradicted itself in the Israel Folau ruling? A look into its now infamous ‘Inclusion Policy’

Israel Folau has reopened a contentious debate about free speech. Photo: AFP

Australian rugby union player Israel Folau leaves a Code of Conduct hearing in Sydney, Sunday, May 5, 2019. The 30-year-old Folau appeared before the hearing to fight Rugby Australia's decision to terminate his contract after he posted in mid-April on social media that gay people, along with other "sinners," will face damnation unless they repent. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

epa07500176 (FILE) - Israel Folau of Australia celebrates during the 2018 Rugby Union Championship game between the Pumas of Argentina and the Wallabies of Australia at the Ernesto Martearena Stadium in Salta, Argentina, 06 October 2018. Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union say on 11 April 2019 that 'as a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.' 'In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.' EPA-EFE/JAN TOUZEAU

Impossible to pick Israel Folau due to comments, says Wallabies coach Michael Cheika

Australia rugby coach Michael Cheika says he can’t pick Israel Folau after his social media outburst. Photo: AP

Israel Folau fallout: Billy Vunipola in awkward spotlight ahead of European semi-finals after appearing to support Australian

Billy Vunipola has been advised by his coach to expect another febrile reception. Photo: Action Images/Paul Childs

Rugby Union - Premiership - Bristol Bears v Saracens - Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, Britain - April 13, 2019 Saracens' Billy Vunipola in action Action Images/Adam Holt

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Australian rugby superstar is taking the governing body to court for firing him over homophobic social media posts
The posts urged homosexuals to repent or risk being sent to hell, along with drunks and liars



Australian rugby superstar is taking the governing body to court for firing him over homophobic social media posts.
